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Step 5: Solution Development & Evaluation

Enhanced Review of Select Roadway Projects

Please note: Only cities and counties in metropolitan areas are required to follow this process.

This section identifies the requirements associated with authorizing certain roadway expansion projects and is based on requirements in OAR 660-012-0830: Enhanced Review of Select Roadway Projects. “Authorization” in this context means that the jurisdiction with planning authority has approved a project to move forward. This typically means inclusion of the project in the unconstrained and/or financially constrained project list of the updated TSP after following steps and criteria outlined in OAR 660-012-0830. The enhanced review process can take place during or before TSP development. The enhanced review process can be led by any jurisdiction (ODOT, county, or city); however, the local jurisdiction (city or county with planning authority) needs to authorize the report, including those for projects on state-owned facilities.

The enhanced review process is not a prohibition on roadway projects. The process prompts local agencies to develop and evaluate alternatives to roadway projects to determine if they could substantially meet the identified need without implementation of the roadway projects. Furthermore, the process is designed to provide governing bodies with essential information, enabling them to make well-informed decisions regarding transportation investments. It is a local decision if these projects move forward into a TSP.

An enhanced review is required for the following types of projects: 

  • A new or extended arterial street (wider than three lanes) highway, freeway, or bridge carrying general purpose vehicle traffic
  • New or expanded interchanges
  • An increase in the number of general-purpose travel lanes for any existing arterial or collector street, highway, or freeway
  • New or extended auxiliary lanes with a total length of a half-mile or more 

There are exceptions for projects that have advanced beyond planning and have dedicated funding or have a National Environmental Policy Act decision.
The authorization of a project after the enhanced review process is a local decision.


An enhanced review is NOT required for the following types of projects:

  • Expected to have a capital cost of less than $5 million
  • Changes the allocation of right-of-way or dedicates additional right-of-way to provide more space for pedestrian, bicycle, transit, or high-occupancy vehicle facilities only
  • Includes facilities with no more than one general purpose travel lane in each direction, with or without one turn lane
  • Implements changes to intersections that do not increase the number of lanes, including implementation of a roundabout
  • Implements access management, including the addition or extension of medians; Implements modifications necessary to address safety needs
  • Implements operational changes, including changes to signals, signage, striping, surfacing, or intelligent transportation systems


​The following flow chart is intended to help determine if a project is subject to the enhanced review process per OAR 660-012-0830.

Flowchart for projects subject to enhanced review. Please review the callout boxes above for information.


This flow chart outlines the steps involved in an enhanced review process per OAR 660-012-0830.

Step 1: Initiate the enhanced review process -Include the process as part of a TSP update -Complete the process as part of another project and incorporate the outcome into the next TSP update  Step 2: Designate the project limits and characteristics of the proposed facility (e.g., length, # lanes, other)  Step 3: Designate a facility impact area and determine affected jurisdictions  -Coordinate with jurisdictions within two miles of the project limits -Include areas where the proposed facility will change levels or patterns of traffic, the transportation system, or land use development patterns -Include, at a minimum, areas within 1 mile of the proposed facility  Step 4: Conduct an engagement-focused equity analysis per OAR 660-012-0135  Step 5: Develop a public involvement strategy  -Develop the strategy as provided in OAR 660-012-0130 -Provide opportunities for meaningful public participation in decision-making -Include regular reports to affected governing bodies, the planning commission, and the public -Coordinate with other public involvement activities  Step 6: Conduct an alternatives review and provide to governing bodies -Document impacts on underserved populations and potential increases in vehicle miles traveled -Investigate alternatives to the proposed roadway project, including: oPedestrian and bicycle facilities oPublic transportation facilities oInvestments in transportation options oSystem pricing -Prepare an alternatives review report  Step 7: Select an alternative or set of alternatives OR choose to complete an authorization report for the project and complete Steps 8 and 9  Step 8: Publish the authorization report and provide to governing bodies and the public -Document the review process, public involvement strategy, and the alternatives review -Estimate long-term costs of maintaining the proposed facility, including funding sources and responsible parties  Step 9: Add the proposed project to the list of street and highway system projects

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