MassDOT Highway engineering directives

These directives introduce new engineering standards or procedures, or supplement, clarify, or amend existing engineering standards or procedures.

Active engineering directives

Number	Date	Subject	Description
E-24-001	2/6/2024	Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges - 2024 Edition	Formally issues the 2024 Edition of the MassDOT Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges. The 2024 Edition replaces the 2023 Edition and incorporates all Supplemental Specifications issued in 2023. The 2024 Edition will be referenced in all contract documents for projects advertised on or after February 17, 2024. Supersedes E-23-001.
E-23-003	11/21/2023	Stormwater Design Guide - 2023 Edition	Formally issues the 2023 Edition of the MassDOT Stormwater Design Guide. This publication supersedes and replaces the Storm Water Handbook, issued in 2004. Effective immediately for use in the planning, design and permitting of stormwater management systems for MassDOT roadways, bridges and facilities.
E-23-002	6/21/2023	Ornamental Traffic Signal and Highway Lighting Structures	Establishes a formal procedure for the use and funding of ornamental traffic signal posts, traffic signal mast arms and highway lighting structures on MassDOT projects. Any additional construction costs associated with these structures will be considered part of the normal project costs and will be borne by MassDOT.
P-22-003	11/21/2022	Massachusetts Amendments to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices - November 2022	Formally issues and institutes the use of a new edition of the Massachusetts Amendments to the MUTCD, dated November 2022. Supersedes the previous edition of this document, dated January 2012. Applies to all MassDOT projects advertised for construction after 11/19/22.
P-22-002	9/23/2022	Use of MassDOT Property for Staging and other Construction-Related Operations	Requires contractors to obtain Access Permits from MassDOT to use MassDOT property for construction staging, laydown, material storage and other construction-related operations that are not specifically defined in the construction contract. Effective immediately for all construction projects.
P-22-001	9/23/2022	Off-Site Stockpiling of Soil from MassDOT Construction Projects	Establishes a new policy to prevent the off-site relocation of excavated soil generated from MassDOT projects to areas near sensitive receptors and to control potential fugitive dusts and contaminants. Effective immediately for all construction projects, and to be formally incorporated into contracts for all projects advertised on or after 10/15/22.
E-22-003	7/28/2022	Guidance on Traffic Design Submissions and Traffic Count Data	Updates the Traffic and Safety Engineering 25% Design Submission Guidelines and the traffic volume guidance required for all project designs. Effective immediately for all projects not yet advertised. Supersedes E-11-001 and E-20-005.
E-22-002	6/8/2022	Acceptable Grade of Steel and Steel Coatings for MassDOT Steel Bridges	Revises Bridge Manual policy on the grade of steel to be used on steel bridge projects and on acceptable steel coating systems. Replaces Subsections 3.6.1.1 and 3.6.1.2 of Chapter 3 of Part I of the Bridge Manual.
E-21-005	12/21/2021	Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)	Establishes a requirement for the performance of SUE Level B services by qualified engineering firms during the preliminary design phase for all new projects anticipated to involve subsurface utility relocations.
E-21-004	06/21/2021	Electronic Submission and Approval of Title Sheets	Establishes a formal process for applying digital/electronic seals and signatures to bridge plans and highway plan title sheets.
E-21-003	06/21/2021	Incentive/Disincentive and Lane Rental Contract Provisions	Provides guidance for evaluating proposed construction projects to determine if I/D or lane rental provisions are appropriate and describes a procedure for implementing these provisions.
E-21-002	03/31/2021	Pre-25% Design Scoping Procedure	Provides a new procedure for refining the Scope of Work of a project after project approval and prior to the 25% design submission. Includes a new Project Scoping Checklist and a Meeting Invite Chart for the Pre-25% project scoping meeting.
E-20-007	10/30/2020	Milled Longitudinal Rumble Strips	Provides updated guidance for the installation of milled rumble strips on MassDOT projects. Introduces new guidance for centerline rumble strips. Effective for all projects advertised after January 1, 2021. Supersedes E-14-004.
E-20-006	9/23/2020	Guideines for the Planning and Design of Roundabouts	Formally issues the Guidelines for the Planning and Design of Roundabouts for use on MassDOT Highway Division projects, effective immediately.
E-20-004	4/21/2020	MASH Implementation Plan	Provides guidance on the use of roadside hardware that conforms to current MASH requirements. Effective for all projects advertised on or after 4/18/20 and as specified in the Directive. Supersedes E-95-006, E-14-005, E-16-004, E-17-001 and E-19-003.
E-20-003	2/20/2020	Location and Design of Stormwater BMPs	Provides guidance regarding the selection of site locations for stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and provides schematic drawings and design requirements to minimize potential hazards when siting stormwater BMPs within the clear zone of a roadway.
E-20-001	1/2/2020	Controlling Criteria and Design Justification Process for MassDOT Highway Division Projects	Updates the controlling design criteria and establishes a new Design Justification Workbook to document the decision-making process for design projects. Conforms with current FHWA controlling criteria and establishes new state design criteria for transit provisions and ramp length. Supersedes E-14-006 and makes obsolete E-99-002.
E-19-004	12/12/2019	Utility Plan Submissions and Reviews	Supersedes the procedures issued under E-11-003 to now require designers to make electronic Utility Plan Submissions on a single CD or thumb drive. The State Utilities Engineer will then distribute these plans to the Utility/Railroad Companies electronically and will manage the review process for each submission.
E-19-002	06/20/2019	Protection of Bridge Piers and Abutments	Establishes new guidelines for the protection of bridge piers and abutments, based on NCHRP Report 892, Guidelines for Shielding Bridge Piers. These guidelines and associated drawings will be incorporated into the MassDOT Bridge Manual.
E-19-001	06/20/2019	Inspection of Structural Members for Design of Bridge Preservation Project	Establishes a new procedure that requires designers of bridge preservation projects to conduct "quantity verification" level inspections of structural elements at the start of design and prior to advertising, and to ensure that the results of the inspections are reflected in the final contract bid documents.
E-18-002	11/07/2018	Bluebeam for Design Submission Reviews	Formalizes the use of Bluebeam software as the primary review platform for MassDOT Highway Division design projects.
P-18-003	06/21/2018	Tunnel Inspection and Testing Protocol for Roadways Covered by Air Rights Developments	Provides a uniform protocol for the inspection and testing of portions of I-90 and the Central Artery covered by air rights developments, consistent with P-18-002. Supersedes P-13-004.
P-18-002	06/21/2018	Tunnel Inspection and Testing Program	Provides a uniform policy for tunnel inspection and life safety system testing for all tunnels under the jurisdiction of MassDOT. Supersedes P-13-003.
P-18-001	06/21/2018	Bridge and Tunnel Inspection Standards and Procedures	Identifies the bridge and tunnel inspection standards and procedures of the MassDOT Highway Division. Supersedes P-13-002.
E-18-001	06/21/2018	F Shape Concrete Barrier for Permanent Use	Formally declares that the MassDOT standard details for F Shape Concrete Barrier now apply to Precast Concrete Barrier only, and no longer apply to Cast-in-Place Concrete Barrier. New installations of Cast-in-Place Concrete Barrier must conform to MASH performance requirements.
E-17-002	10/19/2017	October 2017 Construction Standard Details	Formally issues the October 2017 edition of the Construction Standard Details for use on all projects advertised after 10/21/17. Supersedes the December 2016 edition of the Construction Standard Details issued under E-16-005.
E-16-003	5/18/2016	Manholes and Catch Basins	Establishes new procedures for the installation of bolt-down manhole cover assemblies on roadways with posted speeds of 45 MPH or greater. Reinforces E-09-003, dated 6/18/09. Supersedes E-07-003.
E-16-002	5/18/2016	Temporary Barrier Systems for Construction and Maintenance Operations	Establishes new procedures for the use of temporary barrier systems that meet MASH performance requirements.
E-16-001	1/29/2016	Overhead Signal Structure Standard Drawings	Introduces new standard drawings dated December 2015 that supersede drawings previously issued in 2011 and 1985. The new drawings must be used on all projects that have not been submitted for design review at the 75% submission stage as of 1/29/16. Supersedes E-11-007.
E-15-002	11/4/2015	2015 MassDOT Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide	Formally issues the Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide for immediate use on all MassDOT Highway Division projects.
E-15-001	6/17/2015	Massachusetts Bicycle Route Signing Requirements	Provides guidance for the establishment of named or numbered bicycle routes and for the design and installation of bicycle route signs, in accordance with the MUTCD. Supersedes P-98-003.
P-14-002	9/17/2014	State Highway Access Permits for Murals and Artwork	Identifies procedures for MassDOT to consider and allow the installation of murals and artwork on state bridges, buildings and other structures, for the sole purpose of aesthetic enhancement to the community.
E-14-002	3/24/2014	Minimum Length of Horizontal Curves	Corrects a portion of Section 4.2 in the Project Development and Design Guide. The changes create consistency with the AASHTO Green Book.
P-13-0001	9/9/2013	Healthy Transportation Policy Directive	Formalizes MassDOT's commitment to the implementation and maintenance of transportation networks that serve all mode choices, to further the goals established by MassDOT's GreenDOT Implementation Plan, the state's Healthy Transportation Compact and the state's Mode Shift Goal.
E-13-002	3/14/2013	Role of District Bridge Engineers	Supplements E-11-004, to further define the division of responsibility for bridge designs/reviews between the District Bridge Sections and the Boston Bridge Section.
P-13-001	1/29/2013	Policy for Tree Cutting or Landscaping Permit Requests	Identifies procedures for MassDOT to consider and allow tree cutting and other landscaping modifications by private parties in the state highway layout.
E-13-001	1/23/2013	Contract Requirements for Bridge Projects Involving the Use of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs)	Ensures that requirements are included in construction contracts to ensure the stability of SPMTs during installation and/or removal of bridge structures. Includes special provision language and drawings (Figures 1-4).
E-12-009	7/25/2012	Section 850, Traffic Controls for Construction and Maintenance Operations	Introduces key revisions to Section 850 included in Division II of the Supplemental Specifications to the Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges. Supersedes E-02-003.
E-12-007	6/8/2012	Accessible Pedestrian Signal Installation Policy	Announces MassDOT adoption of a new policy regarding the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals, effective 6/1/12.
E-12-005	3/27/2012	Walks and Wheelchair Ramps	Provides guidance to designers and construction engineers for the proper design and construction of curb ramps. Includes a new series of "Notes" to supplement the Construction Standard Details, and 9 new or revised drawings for the Construction Standard Details.
E-12-003	1/25/2012	Environmental Permitting Policy for Utility Relocations within MassDOT Projects	Reiterates that the environmental permits for MassDOT projects shall include consideration for all utility relocations necessitated by each project. Requires the utility owner to obtain necessary environmental permits if they change their utility relocation after the project is advertised for construction bids.
E-12-002	1/6/2012	Use of Stay-in-Place Forms for Bridge Deck Construction	Provides guidelines for the use of Stay-in-Place (SIP) Forms for the construction of bridge decks on MassDOT highway bridge projects. Includes specific locations where SIP forms shall not be used because these forms block the underside of the deck from view and hinder condition inspections.
E-12-001	1/6/2012	MassDOT Highway Division CAD Standards	Formally issues the MassDOT Highway Division CAD Standards for use on all projects beginning after 12/31/11. The standards include MassDOT's migration from using Autodesk Land Development Desktop software to using AutoCAD Civil 3D software.
E-11-009	12/8/2011	National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Preliminary Design Requirements for Federally Funded Transportation Projects	Clarifies FHWA requirements under NEPA regarding evaluating and mitigating the potential environmental effects of transportation projects. Defines activities that may be advanced under preliminary design prior to completion of the NEPA review process. Directs that MassDOT not take any action that will prejudice selection of a preferred alternative.
E-11-008	12/8/2011	MassDOT Utility Reimbursement Policy	Defines the Utility Reimbursement Policy for all projects advertised after 9/30/12. Provides for 100% reimbursement to municipally-owned utilities and 50% incentive-based reimbursement to privately-owned utilities.
E-11-006	10/7/2011	Proposed Utility Relocation Durations within MassDOT Construction Contracts	Requires MassDOT to include the time necessary to perform all utility relocation work associated with a construction project in the contract duration for the project, effective immediately.
E-11-005	10/7/2011	Right-of-Way Policy for Utility Relocations within MassDOT Projects	Requires MassDOT to acquire all necessary ROW for the accommodation, removal and relocation of utilities as part of the ROW process for all projects advertised after 9/30/12.
E-11-004	8/4/2011	Responsibility and Authorized Signatories for Bridge and Other Structural Design Approvals	Supersedes E-09-004. Defines the division of responsibility between the Districts and the Boston Bridge Section for approval of bridge and other structural designs. Also identifies persons authorized to sign Bridge Sketch Plans and Bridge Construction Drawings. Supplemented by E-13-002.
E-10-008	12/8/2010	Deep Foundation Construction Records and Procedures - Additional Submittal in Electronic Format	Requires submittal of certain deep foundation records in electronic PDF format to the Geotechnical Engineer. Requirement is in addition to other requirements for paper submittals, as per the Bridge Manual and Construction Standard Operating Procedures.
E-10-006	9/8/2010	Submission of Questions from Bidders	Establishes guidelines for acceptance of questions from bidders on MassDOT Highway Division projects. Also provides guidelines for responding to such questions.
E-10-005	8/12/2010	Design Consultant Performance Evaluations	Establishes a formal procedure for evaluating the performance of consultant design firms on MassDOT Highway Division projects. Replaces all previous procedures used for this purpose. Includes a new standard performance evaluation form.
E-10-004	8/12/2010	Procedures for the Use of Concrete Produced by Volumetric (Mobile) Concrete Mixers	Establishes procedures and provides guidance for the use of Volumetric (Mobile) Concrete Mixers on MassDOT Highway Division projects and facilities. Includes a prequalification process and quality control procedures.
P-10-001	5/17/2010	Project Development and Design Standards and Guidelines	Formally identified the design standards of the MassDOT Highway Division in May 2010. These standards are modified periodically, as necessary.
E-10-002	4/20/2010	Contractor Performance Reports	Implements new Contractor Performance Reports for general contractors and subcontractors. The new reports shall be used for all current and future construction contracts.
E-10-001	4/20/2010	Guidance for the Use of Adhesive Anchors	Provides guidance and procedures for each potential use of adhesive anchors on MassDOT Highway Division facilities or on MassDOT Highway Division projects. The use of adhesive anchors in any application is not permitted if the procedures in this Directive are not followed.
E-09-007	12/18/2009	Mechanical Reinforcing Bar Splicer	Modifies various physical requirements for Mechanical Reinforcing Bar Splicers.
E-09-006	12/18/2009	Air Content Tolerance for Cement Concrete	Modifies the Air Content tolerance for Cement Concrete to plus or minus 1.5% of the percentages required in the contract documents.
E-09-003	6/18/2009	Hook Lock Grates for Catch Basins	Supersedes and replaces E-09-002. Introduces technical corrections to previous drawings. Application is essentially the same as in E-09-002. Still requires Hook Lock Grates to be used as the standard catch basin grates on MassDOT roadways. Drawings superseded by E-10-007.
E-09-001	1/16/2009	Revised Procedure for Determining the Monthly Price Adjustment for Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures	Establishes a new procedure for determining price adjustments for hot mix asphalt used on construction contracts, effective 12/15/08. Provides Special Provisions to be inserted into all affected contracts.
E-08-003	10/15/2008	Work Zone Safety and OSHA Work Site Checklists	Reinforces commitment to overall safety on construction and maintenance projects. Provides safety checklists to be posted in all field offices and to be used to aid field personnel with daily work site inspections.
E-08-002	10/15/2008	Field Quality Control Procedures for Signs and Messages	Reinforces procedures for inspecting all signs and messages prior to installation or activation. Includes detailed quality control procedures for field personnel.
E-07-003	10/22/2007	Drainage Structures	Reinforces MassHighway guidance and policies regarding the design, construction and maintenance of drainage structures and roadway drainage systems. Prohibits the installation of drainage structure risers on all MassHighway roadways and facilities.
E-07-002	10/22/2007	Proposed Utility Relocations Within MassHighway Design Projects	Reinforces existing policy and protocol relative to public and private utility relocations on MassHighway projects. Provides guidance to designers for utility locations and for coordinating with all affected parties during the design process.
P-06-002	6/26/2006	Massachusetts Highway Department Drainage Connection Policy	Formally prohibits the connection of unauthorized and/or illicit discharges to the state highway drainage system and requires the disconnection, or permitting, of all such existing connections.
E-06-002	3/27/2006	Standard Drawings and Details for the Development of Traffic Management Plans	Establishes the Standard Drawings and Details for the Development of Traffic Management Plans as the basis for the preparation of all Traffic Management Plans, effective 3/15/06.
E-06-001	2/13/2006	Massachusetts Highway Department Project Development and Design Guidebook, 2006 Edition	Establishes the 2006 Project Development and Design Guidebook as the standard for use on all projects, replacing the 1997 Highway Design Manual, effective 1/30/06. Supplemented by E-09-005. Incorporates and makes obsolete Engineering Directives E-93-007, E-93-011, E-98-003, E-99-004 and E-02-005.
E-05-004	11/17/2005	Acceptance Criteria for Ready-Mixed Cement Concrete	Modifies the acceptance criteria for ready-mixed cement concrete to more closely reflect the standards set forth in AASHTO, ACE and ASTM. Specifies test cylinder and coring requirements.
E-05-003	6/16/2005	Pavement Markings on Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC)	Requires the use of Epoxy Pavement Markings and Reflectorized Pavement Markers (Slotted in Pavement) on OGFC and OGFC-P wearing surfaces. Prohibits the use of Thermoplastic Pavement Markings and Snowplowable Raised Reflectorized Pavement Markers on OGFC and OGFC-P wearing surfaces.
E-05-001	2/14/2005	Jobsite Concrete Slump Adjustment	Supersedes E-03-001. Changes the maximum allowable amount of hold-back water under this alternative procedure to adjust concrete slump at the jobsite.
E-04-007	12/16/2004	Detectable Warning Panels - Revised	Modified E-04-003 by revising 2 standard drawings for the placement of detectable warning panels on wheelchair ramps, as required by the FHWA and in accordance with ADA and AAB regulations. Drawings superseded by E-10-007. Guidance text is still valid.
E-04-005	4/16/2004	Cantilever Retaining Walls	Introduced 7 new standard drawings for cantilever retaining walls. Included suggested text for related contract special provisions. Drawings superseded by E-10-007. Guidance text is still valid.
E-04-002	7/30/2003	Guidance for Designers to Minimize Travel Delays During Construction Operations	Provides guidance for designers regarding the establishment of appropriate construction work hours and other Traffic Management Plan requirements to minimize travel delays and inconveniences during construction.
E-04-001	7/30/2003	Use of the English System of Measurements	Formally declares that MassHighway will use the English System of Measurements for all new work, effective 10/1/03. Supersedes E-95-004 and E-95-005, which previously instituted use of the Metric System.
E-03-002	6/2/2003	Measures to Limit Motorist Travel Delays Through Construction Workzones	Supersedes E-93-005. Reinforces procedures necessary to limit travel delays during construction operations. Contains guidance on the "12-Minute Rule".
E-02-002	6/26/2002	Mobilization	Directs that Item 748. Mobilization shall be included in all projects advertised after 7/1/02.
E-01-001	6/1/2001	Polymer Modified Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC-P)	Directs that Polymer Modified Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC-P) must be used in place of Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC) on all contracts where OGFC would normally be used as a wearing surface.
P-01-01	12/29/2000	MassHighway Requirements for Blasting Adjacent to State Highways	Provides formal procedures and requirements for proponents to conduct blasting operations within or adjacent to state highway layouts.
E-99-001	1/14/1999	Slope Paving Under Bridges	Directs that Reinforced Concrete Slab Special Slope Paving Under Bridges must be used in place of granite block slope paving in new applications. Also provides direction regarding maintenance applications.
E-98-004	10/30/1998	Permit Requirements for the Use of Controlled Density Fill in Trench Cuts Under Pavement	Supersedes E-93-006. Clarifies requirements for the use of Controlled Density Fill and contains minimum conditions which must be met by permit applicants who choose not to use this type of backfill material.
E-97-006	8/21/1997	Acceptable bridge deck overlay thicknesses on state highway resurfacing projects	Formally notifies personnel of the requirements to establish the maximum permissible bituminous concrete overlay thickness on all State or Interstate highway bridges for resurfacing projects.
E-96-002	3/27/1996	Project File Numbers	Mandates that all project-related inter-departmental correspondence shall contain the assigned Project File Number in the heading.
E-96-001	3/26/1996	Standardization of Crosswalk Markings	Provides specific requirements for the installation of crosswalk markings on state highways. The directive clarifies information contained in the MUTCD.
E-95-002	3/28/1995	Bridge Posting Sign Policy	Provides direction on rescinding bridge postings when bridges are replaced, reconstructed, or rehabilitated.
E-95-001	2/2/1995	Policy for proprietary wall systems	Provides a systematic policy that enables MassDOT to better utilize proprietary wall systems. Based on FHWA guidelines. Provides information for the consistent selection, review and acceptance of proprietary walls.
E-94-002	3/28/1994	Restricting Access to Dangerous Areas	Declares that all areas under Department jurisdiction judged dangerous for either pedestrian or vehicular traffic shall be barricaded with Concrete Barriers or other suitable devices to prevent access to such areas.
E-94-001	3/10/1994	Direct Expense Payments to Consultants	Provides further guidance for making direct expense payments to consultants. Supplements information contained in E-93-009.
E-93-009	11/23/1993	Direct Cost Payments to Subconsultants	Establishes a new policy to pay consultants for all appropriate charges billed by direct cost subconsultants without requiring them to pay their subconsultants first.
E-93-004	10/12/1993	Final Reviews - New Procedure for Verifying Final Quantities	Identifies a new procedure for verifying final quantities. Outlines a procedure for conducting a statistical audit of final quantities, based on random sampling.
P-92-010	10/8/1992	Non-NHS Bridge R&R Policy	"Footprint" Bridge R&R Policy. Provides uniform guidelines for the replacement and rehabilitation of any Non-NHS bridge. Also supersedes all previous guidance on the replacement and rehabilitation of Non-NHS, Secondary and Off-System bridges.
P-91-5	6/18/1991	Payment for all Underground Electric, Telephone or Cable TV Service Connections that Require Adjustment on Account of the Department's Construction and Maintenance Projects	Declares that MassDOT will assume all costs for adjusting private underground electric, telephone or cable TV service connections that are necessitated by MassDOT construction and maintenance projects.

Superseded engineering directives

Number	Date	Subject	Description
E-23-001	2/3/2023	Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges - 2023 Edition	Formally issues the 2023 Edition of the MassDOT Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges. The 2023 Edition replaces the 2022 Edition and incorporates all Supplemental Specifications issued in 2022. The 2023 Edition will be referenced in all contract documents for projects advertised on or after February 11, 2023. Supersedes E-22-001.
E-22-001	2/4/2022	Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges - 2022 Edition	Formally issues the 2022 Edition of the MassDOT Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges. The 2022 Edition replaces the 2021 Edition and incorporates all Supplemental Specifications issued in 2021. The 2022 Edition will be referenced in all contract documents for projects advertised on or after February 12, 2022. Supersedes E-21-001. Superseded by Engineering Directive E-23-001
E-21-001	01/26/2021	Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges - 2021 Edition	Formally issued the 2021 Edition of the MassDOT Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges. The 2021 Edition replaced the 2020 Edition and incorporated all Supplemental Specifications issued in 2020. The 2021 Edition was referenced in all contract documents for projects advertised on or after January 30, 2021. Superseded E-20-002.
E-20-005	5/11/2020	Guidance on Traffic Count Data	Provides guidance on how to estimate existing and future traffic counts in lieu of taking new traffic counts after 3/13/20, when COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were implemented. Introduces new MassDOT Guidance on Traffic Count Data dated April 2020, which supersedes previous guidance contained in the Traffic and Safety Engineering 25% Design Submission Guidelines. Superseded by Engineering Directive E-22-003.
E-20-002	1/31/2020	Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges - 2020 Edition	Formally issues the 2020 Edition of the MassDOT Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges. The 2020 Edition supersedes and replaces all currently active editions of the Standard Specifications and shall be referenced in all contract documents for projects advertised on or after February 1, 2020.
E-19-003	06/24/2019	MASH Compliant Permanent Impact Attenuators	Required that new installations of Permanent Impact Attenuators on MassDOT projects or MassDOT-owned facilities be MASH compliant. Projects advertised prior to January 1, 2019 may continue to install Permanent Impact Attenuators in accordance with the relevant contract documents for each contract. Superseded by Engineering Directive E-20-004.
E-17-001	10/19/2017	Updated Standards for Guardrail and Guardrail End Terminals	Formally issued new standard detail drawings for w-beam guardrail and guardrail end terminals that conform to MASH performance requirements. Superseded previous standard detail drawings for w-beam and thrie-beam guardrail systems. Also superseded E-95-008, E-02-001 and E-05-002. Superseded by Engineering Directive E-20-004
E-16-005	12/29/2016	December 2016 Construction Standard Details	Formally issued the December 2016 edition of the Construction Standard Details for use on all projects advertised after 1/22/17. Superseded the June 2014 edition of the Construction Standard Details issued under E-14-003. Superseded by E-17-002.
E-16-004	12/29/2016	Temporary Concrete Barrier Retrofitted to MASH TL-3	Formally issued new standard detail drawings for retrofitting Temporary Concrete Barrier to meet MASH TL-3 performance requirements. Also revised existing standard detail drawings for Temporary Concrete Barrier to allow for use in appropriate MASH TL-2 locations. Superseded by Engineering Directive E-20-004.
E-14-006	12/19/2014	Design Criteria for MassDOT Highway Division Projects	Updated and superseded E-14-001, removing the "Interim" status of this directive. Supported Healthy Transportation Policy Directive P-13-0001. Superseded by E-20-001.
E-14-005	9/30/2014	ET-Plus System Guardrail End Treatment	Placed a moratorium on new installations of the ET-Plus System guardrail end treatment and requires this system to be removed from MassDOT lists of qualified traffic attenuators, effective immediately. Allowed existing, undamaged installations of the ET-Plus System to remain in place. Superseded by Engineering Directive E-20-004.
E-14-004	7/21/2014	Measures to Enhance Highway Safety	Identified physical measures to be used on road and bridge projects to enhance safety for roadway users and work crews. Included guidance for proper placement of Milled Rumble Strips. Superseded MassHighway Policy Directive P-04-001, dated 10/18/04. Superseded by E-20-007.
E-14-003	7/11/2014	June 2014 Construction Standard Details	Formally issued the June 2014 edition of the Construction Standard Details for use on all projects advertised after 7/31/14. Superseded the March 2012 edition of the Construction Standard Details issued under E-12-006. Superseded by E-16-005.
E-14-001	2/4/2014	Design Criteria for MassDOT Highway Division Projects	Introduced new controlling criteria for pedestrian and bicycle accommodation, to be used with FHWA's 13 controlling criteria for roadways and bridges. Supported Healthy Transportation Policy Directive P-13-0001. Superseded E-09-005. Superseded by E-14-006.
P-13-004	3/15/2013	Tunnel Inspection and Testing Protocol for Roadways Covered by Air Rights Developments	Provided a uniform protocol for the inspection and testing of portions of I-90 and the Central Artery covered by air rights developments, consistent with P-13-003. Superseded by P-18-003.
P-13-003	3/15/2013	Tunnel Inspection and Testing Program	Provided a uniform policy for tunnel inspection and life safety system testing for all tunnels under the jurisdiction of MassDOT. Superseded by P-18-002.
P-13-002	3/15/2013	Bridge and Tunnel Inspection Standards and Procedures	Identified the bridge and tunnel inspection standards and procedures of the MassDOT Highway Division. Superseded by P-18-001.
E-14-006	12/19/2014	Design Criteria for MassDOT Highway Division Projects	Updates and supersedes E-14-001, dated 2/4/14. Removes the "Interim" status of this directive. Supports Healthy Transportation Policy Directive P-13-0001.
E-12-008	7/25/2012	Supplemental Specifications - June 15, 2012	Formally issued the 6/15/12 edition of the Supplemental Specifications to the Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges, for use on all projects advertised after 7/1/12. Replaced by subsequent editions of the same.
E-12-006	3/27/2012	March 2012 Construction Standard Details	Formally issued the March 2012 edition of the Construction Standard Details for use on all projects advertised after 3/31/12. Superseded the 2010 Edition of the Construction Standard Details and incorporated the drawings issued under E-12-004 and E-12-005. Superseded by E-14-003.
E-12-004	3/27/2012	Revised and Updated Construction Standard Details	Issued 9 revised drawings for the Construction Standard Details for immediate use. These drawings corrected minor drafting and terminology errors found in the previous versions of these drawings. Incorporated into later versions of the Construction Standard Details.
E-11-007	10/7/2011	Mast Arm and Foundation Details Standard Drawings	Superseded E-11-002. All text was identical, except for a corrected reference to the Span Wire Assembly Foundation Charts dated November 1994. The previous version of this directive referred to an older version of these charts. Superseded by E-16-001.
E-11-003	08/04/2011	Electronic Utility Plan Submissions	Superseded E-10-003. Modified the procedure for Designers to submit Utility Plans to MassDOT in electronic format. Provided updated guidelines for preparing AutoCAD drawing layers and for submitting materials for review. Superseded by E-19-004.
E-11-002	3/3/2011	Mast Arm and Foundation Details Standard Drawings	Introduced new standard drawings dated 2/24/11 that superseded various drawings dated 1/2/85. Included additional design guidance. Must be used on all projects that had not been submitted for review at the 75% design stage as of 3/1/11. Superseded by E-11-007.
E-11-001	3/3/2011	Traffic and Safety Engineering 25% Design Submission Guidelines	Introduces and adopts new design submission guidelines that supersede the 1/6/04 version of the same. Includes guidance for the preparation of the Functional Design Report. Must be used on all projects that have not been submitted for review at the 25% design stage as of 3/1/11. Superseded by Engineering Directive E-22-003.
E-10-007	9/8/2010	2010 Construction Standard Details	Formally issued the 2010 Construction Standard Details for use on MassDOT Highway Division projects advertised after 9/30/10. Superseded the 1997 DPW Construction Standards, the 1996 MassHighway Construction Standard Details, the 2003 MassHighway Supplemental Drawings and various Engineering Directives, in whole or in part. Superseded by E-12-006.
E-10-003	5/5/2010	Electronic Utility Plan Submissions	Established a procedure for Designers to submit Utility Plans to MassDOT in electronic format. Provided guidelines for preparing AutoCAD drawing layers and for submitting materials for review. Superseded by E-11-003.
E-09-005	8/21/2009	Design Criteria for MassHighway Projects and Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Requirements	Superseded E-97-007, supplemented P/E-06-001, and updated the Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation criteria and review procedure. Clarified design criteria that shall be applied to MassHighway projects, particularly projects on the National Highway System. Superseded by E-14-001.
E-09-004	8/21/2009	Signatory Approvals for Bridge Sketch Plans and Construction Drawings	Superseded E-08-004. Defined the signatory approvals required for all Bridge drawings. Provided groups of persons authorized to sign each type of drawing and recognized the Accelerated Bridge Program office as a separate approval entity. Superseded by E-11-004.
E-09-002	1/16/2009	Hook Lock Grates for Catch Basins	Required Hook Lock Grates to be used as the standard catch basin grates on MassHighway roadways. Introduced new standard drawings related to this initiative. Superseded by E-09-003.
E-08-004	12/19/2008	Consultant Design Title Block for Bridge Plans	Modified Bridge Manual Drawing Number 1.1.4 to require the Consultant designer to sign and seal the bridge plans as the Engineer of Record, effective 1/1/09. The Director of Bridges and Structures and the Chief Engineer were not required to sign bridge plans designed by Consultant firms. Superseded by E-09-004.
E-08-001	8/15/2008	Approval of Shop Drawings	Modified the Shop Drawing Approval Procedures in the Bridge Manual by allowing drawings to be "Approved as Noted". Incorporated into later editions of the Bridge Manual.
E-07-001	7/27/2007	MassHighway Bridge Manual, Parts I & II, 2005 Edition, 2007 Revisions	Amended the Bridge Manual, Parts I & II, 2005 Edition. Effective 8/1/07, the MassHighway Bridge Manual, Parts I & II, 2005 Edition, Revised 2007, was the standard for projects to be advertised by MassHighway. Superseded by the 2013 LRFD Bridge Manual.
E-06-005	10/13/2006	Full Implementation for Use of Precast Portable Concrete Barrier	Superseded E-06-004. Modified the effective date for use of Precast Portable Concrete Barrier. Applied only to construction contracts advertised after 1/1/07.
E-06-004	8/21/2006	Full Implementation for Use of Precast Portable Concrete Barrier	Required all Precast Portable Concrete Barrier to be in conformance with Construction Standard Drawings M/E 403.1, M/E 403.2 and M/E 403.3, effective 1/1/07. Superseded E-96-003 and E-02-004. Superseded by E-06-005.
E-06-003	8/1/2006	Personal Protective Safety Equipment for Contractor Personnel	Introduced new language to be included in the contract documents for all projects advertised for bid on or after 8/1/06, requiring Contractor personnel to wear hardhats, safety vests and other personal protective equipment while working within the project limits.
E-06-001	2/13/2006	Massachusetts Highway Department Project Development and Design Guidebook, 2006 Edition	Establishes the 2006 Project Development and Design Guidebook as the standard for use on all projects, replacing the 1997 Highway Design Manual, effective January 30, 2006. Incorporates and makes obsolete Engineering Directives E-93-007, E-93-011, E-98-003, E-99-004 and E-02-005.
E-05-005	11/17/2005	MassHighway Bridge Manual, Parts I & II, 2005 Edition, Customary US Units	Established the 2005 Bridge Manual as the standard for bridge design projects, effective 12/1/05. Superseded by the 2013 LRFD Bridge Manual.
E-05-002	3/2/2005	New Construction Drawings for Guardrail Buried in Back-Slope	Introduced 5 new drawings for the Construction Standards relative to a non-proprietary guardrail end treatment. Includes conditions for use and special provision requirements. Superseded by E-10-007 and E-17-001.
E-04-006	12/3/2004	New Construction Drawings for Installation of Rumble Strips	Introduced 2 new drawings for the Construction Standards relative to the proper installation of Rumble Strips. New drawings were in accordance with P-04-001 and the Standard Specifications. Superseded by E-10-007.
P-04-001	10/18/2004	Measures to Combat Driver Fatigue and Enhance Safety - Superseded by E-14-004	Identified physical measures to be used on road and bridge projects to enhance safety for roadway users and work crews. Superseded by E-14-004.
E-04-004	4/16/2004	Revised Construction Drawings	Introduced 4 revised M/E drawings for the Construction Standards - 1 berm drawing and 3 guardrail drawings. Superseded by E-10-007.
E-04-003	4/16/2004	Detectable Warning Panels	Introduced 2 new standard drawings relative to placing detectable warning panels on wheelchair ramps, as required by the FHWA. Later modified by E-04-007 and E-10-007.
E-03-001	5/15/2003	Jobsite Concrete Slump Adjustment	Established an alternative procedure to adjust concrete slump at the jobsite by allowing the use of hold-back water. Superseded by E-05-001.
E-02-005	12/17/2002	Early Environmental Coordination for Design Projects	Established standard procedures to identify design parameters, initiate early coordination with communities and define essential information necessary for early environmental reviews. Incorporated into 2006 Project Development and Design Guidebook 2/13/06.
E-02-004	10/31/2002	Temporary Precast Concrete Median Barrier	Introduced 3 new M/E drawings for the Construction Standard Details and established an implementation schedule for use of the new precast portable concrete barrier. Relative to Payment Item 853.2. Superseded by E-06-004.
E-02-003	6/26/2002	Safety Controls for Construction Operations	Directed that Item 851. Safety Controls for Construction Operations shall be included in most projects advertised after 7/1/02. This work was to be measured and paid on a Unit-Day basis. Superseded by E-12-009.
E-02-001	5/21/2002	Guardrail End Treatments and Elimination of Back-up Plates	Reinforced existing policy relative to proper guardrail end treatments and established new policy relative to the proper use of guardrail back-up plates. Superseded by E-17-001.
E-00-002	9/29/2000	New and Revised Drawings for "Construction and Traffic Standard Details"	Introduced 8 new, revised or obsolete drawings for the Construction and Traffic Standard Details. All changes were for guardrail drawings in conformance with NCHRP 350 testing requirements. Superseded by the 12/01 version of the Construction Standard Details.
E-00-001	3/13/2000	Revisions to the MassHighway Bridge Manual	Introduced revisions to the MassHighway Bridge Manual, Parts I & II, 1995 Metric Edition. Incoporated into subsequent editions of the Bridge Manual.
E-99-004	5/12/1999	Standard Mylar Sizes for MassHighway Projects	Changed the standard mylar sheet size for all MassHighway projects to 24" x 36". Included revised Highway Design Manual and Bridge Manual drawings. Incorporated into the Project Development and Design Guide.
E-99-003	2/10/1999	New and Revised Drawings for "Construction and Traffic Standard Details"	Introduced 10 new or revised drawings for the 1996 Construction and Traffic Standard Details. Included new guard rail drawings in conformance with NCHRP 350 testing requirements. Superseded by the 12/01 version of the Construction Standard Details.
E-99-002	2/10/1999	Certification of Design Exception Reports	Directed that all Design Exception Reports be stamped and signed by the designer prior to being submitted for review and approval by the Chief Engineer. Made obsolete by use of the Design Justification Workbook issued under E-20-001.
E-98-003	5/5/1998	Response to MGL CH 87 Acts of 1996 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation	Superseded E-98-002. Noted that maintenance type projects funded through the Chapter 90 (local aid) Program were excluded from the provisions of this Directive. Incorporated into the 2006 Project Development and Design Guide.
E-98-002	4/7/1998	Response to MGL CH 87 Acts of 1996 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation	Superseded E-97-005. Stressed that the Directive was to have been addressed on all projects at the 25% design level and that it applied to all projects funded with state money, including Chapter 90 (local aid) funds. Superseded by E-98-003.
E-98-001	3/13/1998	Consultant Performance Evaluation	Implemented an improved Consultant Performance Evaluation System on a Department-wide basis. Allowed for input from several disciplines and for periodic feedback to design consultants during the design process. Superseded by E-10-005.
E-97-008	10/9/1997	Architectural Access Board and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements	Identified AAB and ADA requirements. Superseded by later guidance and Standard Detail Drawings.
E-97-007	10/9/1997	Projects Exempt from Controlling Criteria	Identified types of projects which were so limited in scope that application of the normal design standards of the Highway Design Manual and AASHTO is unreasonable. These projects did not require formal approval of design exceptions. Superseded by E-09-005.
E-97-005	7/7/1997	Response to MGL CH 87 Acts of 1996 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation	Superseded E-97-004. Contained the same language as E-97-004, except for correctly replacing the word "should" with "shoulder" in the second paragraph. Superseded by E-98-002.
E-97-004	7/1/1997	Response to MGL CH 87 Acts of 1996 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation	Identified MassHighway benchmarks for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation and provided guidance to designers for documenting when such accommodation is not reasonably attainable. Superseded by E-97-005.
E-97-003	6/12/1997	Geotechnical Section	Announced the consolidation of the Soils and Foundations Unit of the Research and Materials Division with the Geotechnical Section of the Highway Engineering Division. The combined section was part of the Highway Engineering Division.
E-97-002	2/27/1997	Revised plates for the 1996 Construction and Traffic Standard Details	Revised berm and guardrail plates 106.1.0R, 401.1.0R,and 401.3.0R. Superseded by the 12/01 version of the Construction Standard Details.
E-97-001	1/27/1997	Construction Contracts Section	Announced the establishment and responsibilities of the Construction Contracts Section. Combined the former Specifications Section with the former Contracts and Prequalification Section. The new section was in the Highway Engineering Division.
E-96-003	4/17/1996	Policy for Acceptance of Temporary Precast Barriers	Required Temporary Precast Concrete Median Barrier to be manufactured in accordance with Section 850.49 of the Standard Specifications. Identified a procedure for substituting barriers manufactured in accordance with other state DOT specifications. Superseded by E-06-004.
E-95-008	12/4/1995	Impact Attenuator Terminals	Discontinued the use of MELBCT's on all MassHighway projects. Attenuator Terminals shall be designed, bid and constructed using Section 628 of the Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges. Superseded by E-17-001.
E-95-007	11/29/1995	Design Standards and the Design Waiver Process for Municipal Projects	Provided interim guidance for project initiation and approval, design standards, and the design waiver process for municipal projects. Included minimum lane and shoulder widths. Obsolete since publication of the 1997 Highway Design Manual (June, 1997).
E-95-006	9/18/1995	Temporary Precast Concrete Median Barriers	Established a policy that precluded the use of "permanent" concrete median barriers for traffic control and protection of work zones during construction operations. Only "temporary" concrete median barriers may be used for these applications. Superseded by Engineering Directive E-20-004.
E-95-005	8/9/1995	Use of Metric System	Supplemented E-95-004. Provided further direction on designing highway and bridge projects in Metric or English units. Identified specific cut-off dates for designing projects in either system of measure. Superseded by E-04-001.
E-95-004	6/12/1995	Use of Metric System for all Department Projects and Documents	Identified the Metric System of Measure as the method of measurement for the Department, effective 6/18/95. Provided direction on waivers. Identified Department manuals which had been reissued in metric units. Superseded by E-04-001.
E-95-003	5/17/1995	Railroad Flagging Costs	Provided direction on reimbursement to contractors for railroad flagging costs. Refer to the Standard Specifications for current direction.
E-94-005	12/28/1994	Revisions to the Foundation Charts - Span Wire Assembly Drawings	Replaced Sheet 4 of 4 (English and Metric) of the Standard Drawings for Span Wire Assembly. Made obsolete by E-16-001.
E-94-004	12/9/1994	AAB Regulations and Applications for Permit Access to State Highway	Mandated that all Permit Applications issued by the District offices contain a statement reaffirming that all permits are subject to the rules and regulations of the Architectural Access Board 521 CMR 1.00 et seq. Made obsolete by S.O.P. HMD-60-02-3-000 issued 12/12/08.
E-94-003	10/26/1994	Revisions to Construction Drawings for Precast Median Barriers	Modified Construction Standard Drawings Nos. 401.15.1 and 401.15.2 to show that the connecting pin is to be completely contained within the cross section of the barrier. Incorporated into later versions of the drawings.
E-93-011	12/29/1993	Landscape Restoration Policy	Provided a framework for appropriate landscape restoration for impacts resulting from roadway projects. Incorporated into the 2006 Project Development and Design Guide.
E-93-010	11/30/1993	Final Reviews for Construction and Maintenance Contracts	Identified a procedure for reducing the backlog of construction and maintenance contracts awaiting final review. This process was completed.
E-93-008	11/3/1993	Revised Title Sheet and Federal Aid Block	Identified a new Title Sheet and Federal Aid Block to be used on all projects. Incorporated into the Project Development and Design Guide and CAD Standards.
E-93-007	10/26/1993	Revised Schedule of R.O.W. and Utility Submissions	Identified when plan submissions should be made to the Right of Way Bureau and the Utilities Engineer during the course of a project design. Most of this information was incorporated into the 1997 Highway Design Manual and all was incorporated into the 2006 Project Development and Design Guide.
E-93-006	10/21/1993	Use of Controlled Density Fill	Required that Controlled Density Fill (CDF) be used as backfill in all trench cuts whenever the Department issues a permit for such work. Superseded by E-98-004.
E-93-005	10/21/1993	Traffic Delays and Construction Operations	Stressed that Resident Engineers must take all necessary measures to ensure that motorist delays are minimized. Identified "12-Minute Delay Rule" for suspending operations and noted that Variable Message Boards shall be used to inform motorists of delays. Superseded by E-03-002.
E-93-003	9/22/1993	Recommendations to Specifications Committee	Asserted that recommendations to the Specifications Committee must be complete and well organized. Nonspecific recommendations will not be considered by the Committee.
E-93-002	7/7/1993	MassHighway CADD Policy	Established and defined CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design) policy for all files created on or after 7/19/93. No longer a requirement.
E-93-001	6/23/1993	Policy for the use of Modified Eccentric Loading Breakaway Cable Terminals	Provided guidelines for the use of Modified Eccentric Loading Breakaway Cable Terminals (MELBCT's) on various types of roadways. Included revised or new Construction Standards plates. Superseded by E-95-008.
N-92-018	8/24/1992	Designing for Handicapped Accessibility	Provided guidelines for the design and construction of sidewalks and wheelchair ramps in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Architectural Access Board (AAB). Superseded by more current ADA/AAB guidelines.
N-92-017	8/10/1992	Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for sidewalk cross slope	Directed that the standard cross slope for sidewalks be 3/16 inch per foot in accordance with ADA Guidelines which mandated that the cross slope of an accessible route may not exceed 1:50. Superseded by more current ADA guidelines.
N-92-014	6/22/1992	Hazardous Materials and Wetlands Units	Transferred the responsibilities of the Hazardous Materials Unit and the Wetlands Unit from the Highway Engineering Division to the Project Development Division.