Highway Design Manual

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The Highway Design Manual (HDM) has been revised with the 6th Edition HDM Change 11/20/17. Changes apply to the Foreword; Table of Contents; List of Figures; List of Tables; Chapters: 60-630, 660, 1000, 1100; and the Index. These changes include definition updates, the use of project initiation documents and project reports, minor grammar and spelling corrections, corrections to figures, indexes and websites. Also included is revised guidance related to district delegation, superelevation, bridge barriers and railings, structure approach drainage and pavement transition details, roundabouts, ramp metering, pavement engineering and bicycle transportation design.

The latest English Version of the HDM is available on-line below in two formats.

The first format available is a PDF file of the complete manual which will allow you to perform word searches of the complete manual and/or allow you to download or print the complete HDM cover to cover all at one time.

A second format available in Metric, PDF Metric complete manual also allow you to perform word searches of the complete manual in Metric units.

The HDM is available for purchase through the Caltrans Publication Unit . If this option is chosen, the HDM Holder and not the Publications Unit is responsible for obtaining and inserting all of the change-sheets that are available on the Department Design website.

Changes can be proposed by submitting a Proposed Revision to the Highway Design Manual form to the HDM editor: David.Cordova@dot.ca.gov

Please note, implementation of the current version of the 6th Edition HDM available below shall be applied to on-going projects in accordance with HDM Index 82.5, unless otherwise noted on the Manual Change Transmittal memo or by separate Design Memo.

No matter which of the formats is used to download and/or print, if the HDM Holder chooses to do so, the Holder is responsible for keeping their electronic and/or paper copy up to date and current. For this reason, HDM Holders are encouraged to use the on-line versions of the HDM for the most current design guidance.

Design Information Bulletins (DIB's) and Design Memos may supersede this Manual.

Click here to to be notified automatically of any changes or updates to the Highway Design Manual

**Highway Design Manual Table of Contents**
Chapter Name		Last Updated
Inside Cover	Inside Cover	11-20-17
Foreword	Foreword	11-20-17
Expanded Table of Contents	TOC	11-20-17
Division of Design	Chapter 10	12-30-15
Designation of Highway Routes	Chapter 20	05-07-12
Federal-Aid	Chapter 40	12-30-15
Nomenclature	Chapter 60	11-20-17
Application of Design Standards	Chapter 80	11-20-17
Basic Design Policies	Chapter 100	11-20-17
Geometric Design and Structure Standards	Chapter 200	11-20-17
Geometric Cross Section	Chapter 300	11-20-17
Intersections At Grade	Chapter 400	11-20-17
Traffic Interchanges	Chapter 500	11-20-17
Pavement Engineering	Chapter 600	11-20-17
Pavement Engineering Considerations	Chapter 610	11-20-17
Rigid Pavement	Chapter 620	11-20-17
Flexible Pavement	Chapter 630	11-20-17
Composite Pavements	Chapter 640	12-30-15
Pavement Drainage	Chapter 650	12-30-15
Base and Subbase	Chapter 660	11-20-17
Tapers and Shoulder Backing	Chapter 670	12-30-15
Miscellaneous Standards	Chapter 700	12-30-15
General Aspects	Chapter 800	12-30-15
Hydrology	Chapter 810	12-30-15
Cross Drainage	Chapter 820	07-01-15
Transportation Facility Drainage	Chapter 830	07-01-15
Subsurface Drainage	Chapter 840	10-04-10
Physical Standards	Chapter 850	12-30-15
Open Channels	Chapter 860	03-07-14
Bank Protection - Erosion Control	Chapter 870	07-15-16
Shore Protection	Chapter 880	07-15-16
Storm Water Management	Chapter 890	09-01-06
Landscape Architecture	Chapter 900	12-16-16
Bicycle Transportation Design	Chapter 1000	11-20-17
Highway Traffic Noise Abatement	Chapter 1100	11-20-17
Index	Index	11-20-17