WHAT'S NEW?
Final Rule on PROWAG
On August 8, 2023, the U.S. Access Board issued final rule on the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). The final rule was effective September 7, 2023. Click here for more information. Some changes were made to the 2013 PROWAG draft. SUDAS and Iowa DOT staff will be working together to draft revisions to our design guidelines accordingly. No changes will be implemented until the final rule is adopted by the US DOT and FHWA.
2024 Supplementals Posted
The SUDAS Board of Directors met in May and approved various revisions and additions to the SUDAS manuals. Those have been posted as supplementals. These items will be included in the 2024 Editions of the SUDAS manuals in December, but are available to use now. Design Manual -> Supplemental Design or Specifications Manual -> General Supplemental Specifications.
Seed Shortages and Substitutions
Due to continued anticipated shortages of specified seed types, Iowa DOT’s Roadside Development and the Construction & Materials Bureau has recommended allowable changes to the DOT’s seed mixes as follows for the 2023 construction season.
Permanent Rural mix due to the anticipated shortage of Perennial Ryegrass (Linn):
2601.03, C, 3, b, Seed Mixture.
Add note to Table 2601.03-3 (SUDAS Table 9010.07):
- For 2023 construction season only, ryegrass rate may be reduced to 30 pounds per acre as long as the fescue rate is increased to 150 pounds per acre.
Permanent & Stabilizing Urban mixes due to the anticipated shortage of Creeping Red Fescue:
2601.03, C, 2, b, Seed Mixture.
Add note to Table 2601.03-2 (SUDAS Table 9010.06):
- For 2023 construction season only, a partial or full substitution of the required 25 pounds of Creeping Red Fescue is allowed with any of the following varieties: Chewing Fescue, Hard Fescue, Sheep’s Fescue or Blue Fescue.
2601.03, C, 4, b, Seed Mixture.
Add note to Table 2601.03-4 (SUDAS Table 9010.06):
- For 2023 construction season only, a partial or full substitution of the required 25 pounds of Creeping Red Fescue is allowed with any of the following varieties: Chewing Fescue, Hard Fescue, Sheep’s Fescue or Blue Fescue.
Asphalt Binder and Mixture Reference Guides
The Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa has updated their reference guides. The reference guide for local agencies was developed to assist with selection of asphalt mixes for local agency projects. The reference guide for Iowa DOT provides updated guidance for projects constructed under Iowa DOT requirements.
Iowa DNR Review
The Iowa DNR Water Supply Engineering Section conducted a review of the 2023 Edition of SUDAS Specifications Divisions 3 and 5. In a letter addressed to SUDAS staff, Iowa DNR stated “at the current time, they are in accordance with the design standards of this Department and will be filed accordingly.” Click here for a copy of the letter.
Modifying the SUDAS Manuals
If you need to modify the SUDAS manuals to meet your jurisdiction’s needs, please read this document first.
SUDAS Email List
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Temporary Traffic Control
SUDAS staff developed an updated Temporary Traffic Control Handbook through an Iowa Highway Research Board project. If you would like to request a copy, please complete this form. Click here for an electronic version of the handbook.
Potential Errors
If you notice something within the SUDAS Manuals that appears to be an error, please contact Beth Richards (brich@iastate.edu) and let her know.