The Minnesota Division Office is responsible for assuring that projects on
the National Highway System (NHS) are designed and constructed in accordance
with criteria that provide for a facility that will adequately serve the existing
and planned future traffic in a manner that is conducive to safety, durability
and economy of
maintenance. The division office approves the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) Design Manuals which establish design standards for new construction
and reconstruction projects on the NHS regardless of funding source. Federal-aid
projects not on the NHS are to be designed in accordance with Minnesota laws,
regulations, directives, safety standards, and design standards. 
The division office also approves geometric design standards for resurfacing,
restoration, and rehabilitation (RRR) projects on the NHS, other than on the Interstate system and other freeways.
In addition, the division office reviews the preliminary design of all Interstate reconstruction projects, all Interstate access modifications,
and major freeway construction and reconstruction projects. Exceptions to design standards require division office approval for all new
construction or reconstruction projects on the Interstate System. The division office also has oversight responsibilities for projects on and
off the NHS, which by agreement with the State, MnDOT has been delegated specific project approvals including Plans, Specifications,
and Estimate (PS&E), Right of Way Certificates, Design, Contract Award and Construction Monitoring.
Links
Division Office Design Specialist
