If you are doing construction for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), consult the links below for details about designing, building, pricing, and more.
Standards
Book of Standards for Highway and Incidental Structures
Standard and Supplemental Specifications for Construction and Materials
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Standards
Here are the CAD Standards used by MDOT SHA.
Laboratory and Field Procedures (MSMT)
Use the Maryland Standard Method of Test procedures as a supplement to the Standard Specifications for Construction and Materials and the Book of Standards for Highway and Incidental Structures.
Standard Specifications for Subsurface Explorations
Manuals
Design-Build Manual (PDF, 1.8MB)
This manual provides MDOT SHA with comprehensive guidelines for managing, producing, and administering design-build projects. It provides policies and procedures for contract document development and assembly, project management and execution.
Highway Drainage Manual
This manual provides the design criteria for highway drainage.
Maryland State Highway Administration Construction Manual (PDF, 813kb)
This 2002 edition contains the most current standard specifications, construction practices, techniques, and record keeping.
Stormwater Management Facility Routine Maintenance Manuals
These custom stormwater manuals guide MDOT SHA districts managing the volume, flow rate, and quality of stormwater runoff before that water enters natural waterways or groundwater.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities Along State Highways
This design guide was developed to assist the transportation engineer in designing public sidewalks and crossings that comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act.
Bicycle Policy and Design Guidelines (PDF, 7.35 MB)
The document guides transportation planners and engineers about accommodations that improve bicycling in Maryland.
Bridges and Major Structures
Structural Details
Structural Design Guidance
Aesthetic Bridges - Users Guide (PDF, 17 MB)
Guidance about creating bridges with the greatest visual appeal.
Federal Highway Bridge Program Guidelines for Local Governments
PONTIS Element Data Collection Manual (PDF, 939kb)
Instructions for using PONTIS/AASHTO bridge management software.
Approved Proprietary Noise Barrier Systems (PDF, 36kb)
Approved Proprietary Retaining Wall List (PDF, 33kb)
This is a guide to building within the MDOT SHA right of way.
Aggregate and Sediment Control
2012 Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
From the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Aggregate Bulletin
Contains physical test values of samples taken from aggregate producers.
Field Guide for Erosion and Sediment Control (PDF 47.9 MB)
Landscaping and Environment
Landscape Guidance Documents
Directions on landscaping roads and highways.
Reforestation Law Summary
Roadside Tree Law Summary
Soil Testing Laboratories
Labs recognized by the Landscape Operations Division.
Traffic Control
Guidelines for Traffic Barrier Placement and End Treatment Design
Research the design of traffic barriers and traffic-barrier end treatments.
Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices - 2011 Edition
Traffic Control Devices Design Manual
Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Private Property
Signs
Farmers' Market Signing Program (PDF, 481kb)
Maryland Standard Sign Book
The book contains design details about signs that can be used on Maryland highways.
Utilities
Utility Policy (PDF, 601kb)
Here you will find instructions about placing gas, electric, and other utilities on MDOT SHA rights of way.
Pavement
Pavement & Geotechnical Design Guide
Ride Specification
Ride Specification provides guidance to using the Pavement Surface Profile.
Products and Prices
Qualified Producers and Product Lists (QPL)
Use QPL to identify approved suppliers.
Price Index
The price index provides engineers, consultants and contractors with a complete, up-to-date list of prices on pay items used by and for the MDOT SHA.
Material Quality
Material Quality - Resources
Material Quality Partnering Meetings
These are notes from meetings between MDOT SHA and industry about improving the quality of materials used on State highways.
Forms
Office of Construction - Forms and Documents
Additional Standards, Specifications, and Publications
Roundabout Design Guidelines (PDF, 2.4 MB)
Learn the details of designing and building roundabouts in the State.
Guidance for Local Public Agencies and Sub-Recipients of Federal Funds
Highway Needs Inventory
This reference and planning document identifies highway improvements to serve existing and projected State population and economic activity.
Highway User Revenues & Grants
Information about submitting Highway User Revenue (HUR) reports.
Rumble Strips and Stripes: Guidelines for Application (PDF, 1.88 MB)