Going Beyond the Specifications

TxDOT’s Guidance Documents Pave the Way to Project Success

By Emily Adams

So, your company was awarded a TxDOT project, and the contract lands on your desk. Did you know that by signing that contract, you assume legal responsibility for having read and understood several other related documents?

There are Plans and General Notes, Specifications, and Test Methods. These comprise hundreds of pages of details for constructing the project to TxDOT’s quality standards.

Enter the guidance document, which is typically only a few pages of expertly distilled information, like a “cheat code.” Guidance documents provide invaluable additional information on processes, test methods, or materials listed in specifications.

Accelerate

• TxDOT’s guidance documents serve as a “cheat code” for companies awarded TxDOT projects.
• They clarify processes, offer tips beyond the test method, and address quality issues.
• TxDOT’s Materials and Test Division develops guidance documents and revises and updates them.
• Using guidance documents in project prep demonstrates compliance and builds trust.

Utilizing them isn’t mandatory, and there isn’t one for every specification, but when they are available, guidance documents are an essential part of a project moving forward successfully.

Whether you are a contractor or producer, work for TxDOT, or are a city or county utilizing TxDOT specifications, understanding what these documents are—and where to find them—will benefit you and help ensure a high-quality, long-lasting roadway.

Are Guidance Documents a Best-Kept Secret?

You could think of guidance documents as a secret weapon, but TxDOT’s Materials and Test Division (MTD) would prefer everyone to know what they are, where to find them, and where to locate further guidance information when needed.

Transportation Engineer Sarah De La O, P.E., and Flexible Pavements Section Director Gisel Carrasco, P.E., both with MTD, are deeply involved in creating Flexible Pavement Guidance Documents. Along with Lacy Peters, P.E., pavement and materials engineer for the TxDOT Atlanta District, they recently introduced the three newest Flexible Pavements Guidance Documents at TxDOT’s 2026 Construction, Materials, and Alternative Delivery Conference.

The documents, which are now available online, include the Overlay Test Guide, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Stockpile Management Best Practices, and Hot Mix Asphalt Exempt Production. Introducing the documents at the conference was an opportunity not only to showcase their latest work, but to shine a spotlight on a resource that can actively improve project outcomes to a broader audience.

What is the Purpose of a Guidance Document?

Guidance documents can serve many purposes. In the case of the new Overlay Test Guide, the primary purpose is to provide additional information—tips for running the test not listed in Tex-248-F.

The primary purpose of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Stockpile Management Best Practices is to address a quality issue: reducing variability in RAP stockpiles.

The Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Exempt Production Guidance was developed to clarify exempt production, which is commonly misunderstood. These are just three instances when a guidance document may be deemed beneficial.

The “Why” Behind Creating a Guidance Document

There are a few reasons why MTD may decide to create a Flexible Pavements Guidance Document. The most common is in response to industry requests.

MTD relies on information from the field to determine where contractors need clarification. Feedback from technicians is another driver.

Explained De La O, “Sometimes there is not one right way to do something, but there are better ways than others.”

As the test methods are performed and processes are perfected, it presents an opportunity to do something more accurately. She emphasized that guidance documents allow TxDOT to pass valuable information to contractors faster.

“Can you imagine if TxDOT waited to update the specs every time a new piece of information came to light about a test method?” she asked.

One other common reason MTD creates guidance documents is when there are issues in the way the spec is being followed or not followed.

The creation process begins with a draft of the document, which is reviewed by a team internally—formed by MTD and district subject matter experts—before it is presented to the industry via TXAPA and AGC for comments. The comments are incorporated and the process repeats until the document is finalized.

When test methods and specifications are changed, it follows that guidance documents must change as well. MTD is working on revising several previously available guidance documents which are no longer in circulation due to the 2024 Spec
Book rewrite.

Guidance Documents as Part of Your Project Prep

Unlike Plans and General Notes, Specifications, and Test Methods, guidance documents are not contractually required reading, but TXAPA’s Chuck Fuller, a former contractor who “lived by the guidance documents,” believes they should be.

Carrasco suggests contractors include them in their project preparation and for operations guidance in general—especially because following the guidance in the documents can set the stage for how TxDOT lets a project.

New Documents In Progress

• Thermal Imaging System Guidance
• Ignition Oven Correction Factors

Revisions to Documents in Progress

• Protocol for Roadway Core Custody
• Material Selection Guide

Where Can You Find More Assistance?

It is important to know that these documents are centralized on the TxDOT MTD website, and the team is available to answer questions and provide clarification when needed.

In many ways, the Flexible Pavements team serves as a “human guidance document,” helping contractors navigate specifications, test methods, and evolving best practices in the field. MTD emphasizes that communication with the industry is not only welcomed, but encouraged, and ideas for future guidance documents are always appreciated.

Explore TxDOT’s materials guidance documents.