The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
  (1) Construction project--A transportation project in which the primary activities involve building a segment of highway or public road in a new configuration or on a new location.
  (2) Department--The Texas Department of Transportation.
  (3) District--One of the 25 geographical areas, managed by a district engineer, in which the department conducts its primary work activities, including project development.
  (4) Local government--Any county, city, other political subdivision of this state, or special district that has the authority to plan and design a highway or roadway project.
  (5) Metropolitan planning organization (MPO)--The forum for cooperative transportation decision making for the metropolitan planning area. The MPO is also the organization that is responsible for carrying out the transportation planning process for the metropolitan area as required by 23 U.S.C. §134.
  (6) Resurfacing--A transportation project to apply new or recycled layer(s) of pavement material to the existing pavement to restore the ride quality or skid resistance and to preserve the structural integrity of the pavement.
  (7) Restoration (2R)--A transportation project to restore the pavement to its original condition. This may include, in addition to the resurfacing described in paragraph (6) of this section, such activities as restoring the pavement structure, minor pavement widening or the addition of shoulders, and drainage improvements. These projects meet the 2R design criteria shown in the department's Roadway Design Manual.
  (8) Rehabilitation (3R)--A transportation project to extend the service life and enhance the safety of a roadway. In addition to the work described under resurfacing and restoration, the activities include upgrading the geometric design and safety of the facility. Work does not include the addition of through travel lanes. These projects meet the 3R design criteria shown in the department's Roadway Design Manual.
  (9) Reconstruction (4R)--A transportation project to upgrade an existing roadway to meet the geometric design criteria for a new facility. In addition to the work described under resurfacing, restoration and rehabilitation, reconstruction work generally includes substantial changes in the geometric character of a highway, such as widening to provide additional through lanes and horizontal or vertical realignment, and major improvements to the pavement structure to provide long term service. These projects meet the 4R design criteria shown in the department's Roadway Design Manual.
  (10) Transportation Project--The planning, development, design and construction work necessary to construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate or restore a highway or public road that the department has the responsibility to finance or undertake. A project may include, but is not limited to, improvements to a bridge, toll road, transit facility, or high occupancy vehicle lane, or other facilities necessary for an integrated transportation system, but does not include a resurfacing project.

Source Note: The provisions of this §15.121 adopted to be effective January 2, 2002, 26 TexReg 11051