Certified User Group Critical Path for Projects

Follow Path and Meet Key Milestones

These are the milestones to meet along the project's critical path. Work your way from right to left and down the chart to take the path from project initiation to project implementation. Use links to get specific instructions and documents. If you need help, contact us. Acronyms are spelled out below.

This critical path is also available as a downloadable PDF.


Milestones	Design	Environmental	Right of Way	Utilities	Railroad
Project Initiation	Complete technical scope and submit to LAL with request for project agreement. ODOT drafts agreement, 4 – 6 months to execution. ODOT issues NTP for PE phase. Do you need a consultant? Kick off meeting.	Draft environmental prospectus. Provide to REC at kick off. REC signs off (2-week turnaround).	Do you need right of way? Ensure it's programmed into STIP and included in SPA. ODOT ROW staff attends kick off meeting.	Get initial utility information for project area. Send project notification letters.	Does project come within 500 feet of a railroad? If yes, notify ODOT SURL before kick off meeting. ODOT works with LPA rail liaison to determine steps and timeline. If no, proceed with other planning elements.
30% Plans	Project design.	Consultant? Have statement of work in place by 30%. Develop environmental baseline studies. Drafts submitted to REC.	Prepare legal description, estimate, maps.	Utilities respond. Send second notice/time requirement letters.	For projects near railroads, LPA RR liaison works with railroad on permissions and agreement. Coordination with railroad can be a long process.
30 – 60% Plans (DAP)	Design continues. Design exceptions drafted. Project special provisions.	NEPA determination. Environmental work as required by recommendations from baseline reports.	Legal description, estimate, maps submitted by ROW agent (4-6 weeks turnaround). LAL issues ROW NTP. ROW work processes. Meet with ROW agent to review plans at 90%.	Communicate with utilities and word as needed to complete documentation for utility certification.
100% Plans	Design continues.	Environmental work continues.	Submit for ROW certification (2 – 4 weeks before PS&E).	ODOT SURL reviews and signs utility certification.
PS&E	PSE checklist Design plans Bid book Project special provisions Design exceptions Final cost estimate.	Environmental documentation (record of decisions, studies).	ODOT signs ROW certification.	Submit signed utility certification form.	Railroad agreement assurance form submitted if needed.