The Feasibility Studies Unit investigates candidate Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) projects recommended by the public, by local governments and by Board of Transportation Members. The Unit evaluates available information, e.g., traffic demand, environmental setting, local government concerns and long-range transportation plan compatibility, to develop project alternates. Once project alternates are developed, the estimated cost of right of way and construction are prepared. These findings are then used by the upper management of the Division of Highways to set funding priorities for the biennial update of the TIP.

A Feasibility Study is a preliminary document that is prepared as the initial step in the planning and design process for a candidate project and is not the product of exhaustive environmental and design investigations.

Once a candidate project is identified for funding in the TIP, the Feasibility Study is followed by a rigorous planning study meeting the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, either an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental Assessment.