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 The Highway Design Branch provides a vital function in preconstruction for the NCDOT Division of Highways. The branch consists of the Roadway Design, Structure Design, Photogrammetry, Location & Surveys, Geotechnical, and Hydraulics Units. The units work together to perform technical and design work that coordinates plans and proposals for road and bridge projects throughout North Carolina. The primary branch responsibilities are identifying and obtaining engineering field data, designing and developing right-of-way acquisition plans, and preparing final highway and bridge construction plans. Specific functions include aerial photography, topographic mapping, field surveying, geotechnical analysis & design, hydraulic design, and the preparation of all roadway, bridge and culvert plans, specifications and estimates required for all NCDOT bridge and road contracts. The Highway Design Branch also provides special design expertise to construction and maintenance operations. The branch provides engineering design expertise in sedimentation control and environmental protection, two areas that are necessary to obtain approval and permits from local, state and federal agencies. The branch also assesses the need for assistance from private engineering firms in the design of highway projects. Responsibility involves the review and selection of engineering firms, contract negotiations, agreement execution, coordination of all activities between the firms and NCDOT, and the monitoring of the firms' performance. The branch manager is responsible for administration, supervision and management of the six units. The Highway Design Branch falls under the Division of Highways and requires expertise in many technical fields. Besides conducting specific internal duties and responsibilities, the branch works closely with most of the other departmental branches in the complex interaction of highway design, construction and maintenance.
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