What is a PD&E Study?

A PD&E (Project Development and Environment) study is an in-depth analysis used to determine social, economic and environmental impacts associated with a planned transportation improvement project. This mandatory process was created by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure the design of transportation projects is sensitive to and incorporates community characteristics as well as unique engineering necessary for the area. If all other alternatives produce undesirable results, the "No-Build" alternative leaves existing roadways as they are, requiring only routine maintenance.

A PD&E study consists of three components: 1. Preliminary Engineering, 2. Environmental Assessment, and 3. Public Involvement. Preliminary engineering focuses primarily on the design and technical aspects of all feasible alternatives developed for the area under consideration. These alternatives then undergo an environmental assessment to assess potential impacts for both the human and natural environment. Public involvement is incorporated throughout the process in order to keep citizens informed as well as to provide opportunities for them to express concerns and to give feedback. The result is a preferred alternative to be used for future development of the proposed project upon approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The following is a graphic representation of the Highway Development Process.

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