DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

(a) The department shall consider the following factors when developing transportation projects that involve the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or resurfacing of a highway, other than a maintenance resurfacing project: (1) the extent to which the project promotes safety; (2) the durability of the project; (3) the economy of maintenance of the project; (4) the impact of the project on: (A) the natural and artificial environment; (B) the scenic and aesthetic character of the area in which the project is located; (C) preservation efforts; and (D) each affected local community and its economy; (5) the access for other modes of transportation, including those that promote physically active communities; and (6) except as provided by Subsection (c), the aesthetic character of the project, including input from each affected local community. (b) The commission shall adopt rules to implement this section. (c) Subsection (a)(6) does not apply to transportation projects that involve the rehabilitation or resurfacing of a bridge or highway.