The factors as provided in paragraph (1) of this section will be considered when transportation projects are developed in order to provide transportation systems and alternatives that are comfortable, safe, durable, cost-effective, accessible, environmentally sensitive, aesthetically pleasing, and that consider other transportation modes.
  (1) Factors. The department, through a district, local government or MPO, shall consider the following factors when developing transportation projects:
    (A) the extent to which the project promotes safety;
    (B) the durability of the project;
    (C) the economy of maintenance of the project;
    (D) the impact of the project on:
      (i) the natural and artificial environment;
      (ii) the scenic and aesthetic character of the area in which the project is located;
      (iii) preservation efforts; and
      (iv) each affected local community and its economy;
    (E) the access for other modes of transportation, including those that promote physically active communities; and
    (F) except for transportation projects that involve the rehabilitation or resurfacing of a bridge or highway, the aesthetic character of the project, including input from each affected local community.
  (2) Assessment. The factors provided in paragraph (1) of this section will be assessed when developing transportation projects.
    (A) Safety will be considered throughout the project development process. Each type of project will be evaluated, appropriate engineering studies will be completed, and appropriate design guidelines will be utilized with sound engineering judgment in order to accomplish the purpose of that particular transportation project. Safety is integral to properly engineering each project to address the anticipated needs and conditions.
    (B) Durability and economy of maintenance will be incorporated into each project as it is developed in order to provide the most cost-effective and reliable products available through engineering study and evaluation. Final selection of products will be based on accepted design practices, specifications, availability of products, testing, and construction industry standards. The appropriate combination of products in each project will provide a project with a reasonably long life and will require reasonable upkeep to preserve its originally intended service life.
    (C) The factors listed in paragraph (1)(D) of this section are all factors considered in the environmental review and public involvement process as prescribed in Chapter 2, Subchapter C of this title (relating to Environmental Review and Public Involvement for Transportation Projects) that is an integral part of the development of each project.
    (D) Access for other modes of transportation will be considered during the project development process by developing plans and projects that contain, where appropriate, interconnections with other transportation facilities, including bicycle transportation facilities, pedestrian walkways, and trails.
    (E) Except for transportation projects that involve the rehabilitation or resurfacing of a bridge or highway, the aesthetic character of the project will be considered during the project development process by developing plans and projects that contain, where appropriate, aesthetic enhancements to the transportation facilities. Input from each affected local community is gathered as part of the public involvement process as prescribed in Chapter 2, Subchapter C of this title that is an integral part of the development of each project.

Source Note: The provisions of this §15.122 adopted to be effective January 2, 2002, 26 TexReg 11051; amended to be effective January 5, 2006, 30 TexReg 8996