THE HIGHWAY PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

In order for a new highway project to become a reality, a process is

followed that includes planning, evaluation, design, right-of-way acquisition, and
construction. When the project is completed, highway operations, management,
and maintenance are needed.
ROAD-BUILDING PROCESS INCLUDES;
1. Planning (6 to 24 months)
2. Design (15 to 24 months)
3. Environment (9 to 36 months)
4. Right-of-Way (6 to 21 months)
5. Construction (12 to 36 months)
Thus, total project time can range from 4 to 12 years, depending on the physical
characteristics, scope, and community support for the project. (Garber and Hoel,
2009)

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CYCLE IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
It is the process of collecting potential projects with expected return of
investments.

2. PROJECT PREPARATION
a. Project Feasibility Study
The feasibility study consists of various investigations and tests necessary to
determine whether the project can and should be carried out and if, so, how
and when?
b. Inclusion in the Medium-Term
If the project meets the above feasibility criteria, it is considered for inclusion
in the medium-term infrastructure program for the period of six years.
 c. Fund Appropriation
Based on the medium-term infrastructure program, appropriations for the
projects are authorized thru legislation.
d. Detailed Engineering
Detailed engineering of a project under the medium term program is
undertaken in preparation for actual implementation under the annual
infrastructure programs.
e. Inclusion of Project in Annual Program: Programming
Projects proposed for inclusion in the annual infrastructure program are a)
those that rank high high in priority within the medium-term program, and b) those
that are technically ready for actual implementation during the year (i.e. with
substantially completed detailed engineering).

3. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
a. Fund Releases
Immediately after the NEDA Board approves the annual infrastructure
program in early November, the DBM issues the Advice's of Allotment (AAs) for
the projects in the program on a comprehensive basis.
b. Right-Of-Way Acquisition
The right-of-way of any infrastructure project, such as road, should be
acquired ahead of construction in order not to impede the work.
c. Bidding and Contracting
In line with the policy of the government to rely on the private sector as the
main engine of economic development, infrastructure projects are generally
undertaken by contract after public bidding.
d. Construction
Actual construction work is carried out through the Project Management
Office (PMO) and the Regional/District Offices.
e. Completion and Acceptance
Project completion is the transition from the development to the
operational stage. Completion reports and as-built plans are prepared for the
submission to the implementing office heads, to management, and to funding
institutions.
f. Payment
Due and demandable claims are processed by the DPWH either at the
Central, Regional or District level, in accordance with existing government
budgeting, accounting and auditing rules

4. PROJECT OPERATION AND EVALUATION

a. Operational and Maintenance
National roads and bridges, major flood control structures, and related
facilities of national importance remain under the responsibility of the DWPH
during the operational phase. The Regional and District undertake the
maintenance of the facilities generally by administration.
b. Impact Evaluation
Impact evaluation or post-project appraisal is an attempt to assess the
results of a project and, as a function of the results, of the means employed to
achieve them.
Source: Department of Public Works and Highways

HIGHWAY ALIGNMENT AND SURVEYS

REMOTE SENSING
Remote sensing is otherwise called Photogrammetry. It is the science and art
of obtaining measurements by means of photography. Photogrammetry is based
on aerial photographs for engineers working data on:
1. Locations.
2. Planning.
3. Geometric design.
4. Right of way.
5. Traffic studies.
6. Drainage.
7. Soil classifications and identifications.
8. Earthwork measurements
9. Material location.
10. Pavement condition survey

PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MAPPING
A vertical aerial photograph taken by a camera pointed almost straight
downward is the most useful mapping for highway purposes. The area to be
covered is photographed in parallel runs with the individual pictures lapped in the
direction of the flight (end lap) and between successive runs (side lap).
The Photogrammetric technique coupled with digitizer, produces digital
terrain models. The horizontal and vertical positions of the ground surface, and
other photographic features are directly transferred from the matched aerial
photograph to a computer data bank. The information is recalled and the
computer is programmed to develop showing the following:
1. Profiles
2. Cross sections
3. Cut and fill earthwork quantities
4. The motorist view of the road

With photographs and computer record data, a separate map could be

plotted easily like:
l The highways
2. The drainage
3. Housing
4. Land use and zoning
5. Property assessment
ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHS
Orthophotographs is an aerial photograph corrected for scale and tilt.
When the center partial are skillfully matched and copied, they appear to be a
single photograph that shows far more detail than maps. The uncorrected or
partially corrected photographs are combined to form a mosaic, considered
better for engineering accuracy and right of way purposes.

COLORED PHOTOGRAPHS
Aerial colored photograph presents a more detailed and precise
information on traffic and parking studies. It gives clear information of the
geological conditions, land use, source of materials, surfaces and sub-surface
drainage. An oblique photograph is used for special studies particularly, where
the ground condition is almost flat or where cliffs are so steep that a black and
white photograph could not give sufficient details.