Landscape Planning and Design

Purpose

When developing transportation facility designs we consider the health, safety, well-being and integrity of biological systems essential to sustain human well-being, future generations’ right to environmental assets and ecological aesthetics, long-term economic dependencies upon the natural environment, and environmental stewardship essential to maintaining a healthy environment and a high quality of life. These considerations help meet one or more requirements found under Legal Authority.

When to use this subject

All transportation projects have the potential to help leverage community and ecological health benefits through infrastructure, right of way improvements, and resulting long-term operations. Scalability of landscape planning and or design can help assure efficient project delivery.

Early Notification Memo (ENM) comments apply the Complete Streets and Context Sensitive Solutions lens to projects to assure environmental, social and economic resources and community values are considered during scoping and preliminary design.

The US Department of Transportation September, 2013 Guidelines for the Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) of Highway Projects recommends using a scoping questionnaire consisting of 10 questions whose answers will help determine if a VIA is needed. Four different levels of assessment allow scalability based on the scope, complexity, and controversy associated with a particular project. For specific process information, see the other guidance pages and/or contact the individual on the contacts page.

Visual Quality Management (VQM) typically occurs at 30 percent design, carrying forward VIA findings. The results are a visually cohesive concept and pallet for structural and vegetative project elements incorporating turf, woody vegetation, pollinator habitat, climate resilience, tourism, multi-modal access, erosion control, surface water management, headlight screening, snow drift control, roadside maintenance reduction, alignment emphasis, visual, and noise buffering, and other local needs and benefits.

To assure turf establishment and address erosion and noxious weed issues, landscape plan designs (LSP) typically are constructed under separate contract approximately one year after construction completion. Conceptual landscape design as part of the construction design (VQM) will help assure adequate space and site preparation is provided.

The Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program expands the network of responsibility, pride and ownership of highway landscaping. When designed, installed and maintained properly, landscape partnerships provide the sense of “ownership” and context that promotes the identity of the community to the traveling public.

Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plans (CMP) are typically developed when a byway is initially created, then updated as needed at least once every ten years. CMPs can inform road design, vegetation management, multi-modal access, interpretation, etc. The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

How this subject fits into the overall project development process

To assure adequate space and site preparation are provided as a result of transportation construction, consider landscape planning and design during planning, scoping, preliminary design, and final design. Early involvement of landscape architects can facilitate climate resiliency, thoughtful preservation and enhancement of environmental and community assets, human comfort, and visually pleasing transportation experiences, regardless of the project size.

Organizations involved

MnDOT:
- Office of Environmental Stewardship
- Project Managers

District Design

Neighbors and neighborhood groups
Federal, Tribal, state and local governments, public and private institutions
Specially designated route or destination advocates
Business owners
Travelers