FEBRUARY

RHODE ISLAND

DEPARTMENT OF

TRANSPORTATION

Standard Specifications for Road & Bridge

Construction

RIDOT Standard Specifications for Road & Bridge Construction February 2026

PREFACE i

PREFACE

The February 2026 edition of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction will be used on all Contract work awarded by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and may also be incorporated by reference into Contract work on local, secondary, or transit systems or into other Contract work in which the Department has an interest.

These Specifications shall control the work on Rhode Island Department of Transportation construction Contracts, except were modified by Supplemental Specifications or the Contract Special Provisions, for all Contracts awarded by the Department subsequent to the publication of this edition. If conflicts exist between the Contract provisions and these Specifications, the Contract provisions shall govern.

This publication is not available in print format but may be obtained on the Department of Transportation’s website: https://www.dot.ri.gov/business/bluebook.php.

https://www.dot.ri.gov/business/bluebook.php https://www.dot.ri.gov/business/bluebook.php

RIDOT Standard Specifications for Road & Bridge Construction February 2026 ii PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction was developed by the Department’s Specification Groups, with oversight and technical assistance provided by the following:

• Peter Alviti, Jr., P.E., Director

• Loren Doyle, Director of Operations

• Lori A. Fisette, Director, Division of Project Management

• John J. Igliozzi, Esq., Administrative & Legal Support Services Administrator/Chief of Staff

• James R. Primeau, P.E., PMP, Managing Engineer, Scoping & Compliance

• Robert Soscia, P.E., Managing Engineering, Scoping & Compliance

• Myles C. Beltram, Esq., Assist. Director for Administrative Services, Office of Legal Counsel

• Brian Ferguson P.E., Deputy Chief Engineer, Construction Management

• Lawrence Bailey, P.E., Managing Engineer, Construction Management

• Jose S. Lima, Manager, Materials Management

• Michael Byrne, P.E., Managing Engineer, Materials Management

• Michael D. Sock, Principal Civil Engineer, Materials Management

• Sean Raymond, P.E., Assistant Director for Administrative Services, Safety/Traffic

• Keith Gaulin, P.E. Deputy Chief Engineer, Bridge Engineering

• Mary Vittoria-Bertrand, P.E., Chief Civil Engineer, Bridge Engineering

• Alisa Richardson, P.E., PMP, Administrator, Environmental Division

• Joseph D. Baker P.E., PMP, Manager, Project Management, Stormwater Management

• Susan Votta, RLA, Supervising Landscape Architect, Environmental Division

• Federal Highway Administration

• American Council of Engineering Companies of Rhode Island (ACEC-RI)

• Construction Industries of Rhode Island (CIRI)

• Roy Jorgensen Associates, Inc. in association with GM2 Associates, Inc.

• Blue Book Cover Design by Jonathan Murray, RIDOT Communications

RIDOT Standard Specifications Road & Bridge Construction February 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 100 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND COVENANTS

— DEFINITIONS AND TERMS ......................................................... 100-1

— BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS ........................ 100-18

102.1 Contractor Qualifications....................................................... 100-18

102.2 Contents of Proposal Forms .................................................... 100-20

102.3 Interpretation of Item Quantities in the Proposal ..................... 100-20

102.4 Examination of Plans, Specifications, Special Provisions, and Site of Work. ..................................................................... 100-20

102.5 Preparation of Proposal ........................................................ 100-21

102.6 Proposal Guaranty ................................................................ 100-21

102.7 Non-Responsive Proposals .................................................. 100-21

102.8 Withdrawal or Revision of Proposals. .................................... 100-22

102.9 Combination or Conditional Proposals............ ...................... 100-22

102.10 Disqualification of Bidders..................................................... 100-23

102.11 Material Guaranty ................................................................. 100-24

102.12 Bidding Certifications ............................................................ 100-24

— AWARD AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACT ............................... 100-28

103.1 Consideration of Proposals ..................................................... 100-28

103.2 Post-Qualification Requirements and Award of Contract ....... 100-28

103.3 Cancellation of Contract .......................................................... 100-28

103.4 Return of Proposal Guaranty ................................................ 100-29

103.5 Contract Bond. ..................................................................... 100-29

103.6 Execution of the Contract ........................................................ 100-29

103.7 Failure to Execute Contract .................................................. 100-29

103.8 Escrow of Bid Documentation………………………………….. 100-29

— SCOPE OF WORK ..................................................................... 100-32

104.1 Intent of Contract .................................................................. 100-32

104.2 Contract Revisions ............................................................... 100-32

104.3 Differing Site Conditions ....................................................... 100-34

104.4 Alterations in the Plans or Details ............................................ 100-34

104.5 Extra Work ........................................................................... 100-34

104.6 Suspension of Work Ordered by the Engineer ...................... 100-34

104.7 Significant Changes in the Character of the Work ................. 100-35

104.8 Maintenance of Traffic .......................................................... 100-35

104.9 Maintenance of Public Access. ............................................. 100-36

104.10 Rights in and Use of Materials Found on the Project. ............. 100-37

104.11 Final Clean-Up ..................................................................... 100-37

104.12 Railway-Highway Provisions ................................................. 100-37

104.13 Construction Over or Adjacent to Navigable Waters ............. 100-38

104.14 Contractor’s Responsibility for the Work ............................... 100-38

104.15 Environmental Protection. ..................................................... 100-38

104.16 Value Engineering Change Proposal .................................... 100-41

— CONTROL OF WORK ................................................................ 100-46

105.1 Authority of the Engineer ...................................................... 100-46

105.2 Plans and Shop Drawings ....................................................... 100-46

105.3 Conformity with Plans and Specifications .............................. 100-47

105.4 Coordination of Plans, Specifications, Supplemental

Specifications, and Special Provisions .................................. 100-48 iv TABLE OF CONTENTS

105.5 Cooperation by Contractor and Removal of Personnel ........... 100-48

105.6 Cooperation with Utilities ...................................................... 100-49

105.7 Cooperation Between Contractors ........................................ 100-51

105.8 Construction Stakes, Lines, and Grades ............................... 100-51

105.9 Authority and Duties of Construction Manager ...................... 100-51

105.10 Inspection of Work ................................................................ 100-52

105.11 Removal of Unacceptable or Unauthorized Work .................. 100-53

105.12 Load Restrictions .................................................................. 100-53

105.13 Maintenance During Construction ......................................... 100-53

105.14 Winter Shutdown. ................................................................. 100-54

105.15 Opening Sections of Project to Traffic ................................... 100-55

105.16 Furnishing Right-of-Way ....................................................... 100-55

105.17 Partial Acceptance. ............................................................... 100-55

105.18 Final Acceptance. ................................................................. 100-57

105.19 Claims for Adjustments and Disputes ................................... 100-58

105.20 Procedure for Claims and Disputes ....................................... 100-59

105.21 Request for Information (RFI)………………………………….. . 100-60

105.22 Tolling Facilities .................................................................... 100-61

— CONTROL OF MATERIAL .......................................................... 100-64

106.1 Certification of Materials .......................................................... 100-64

106.2 Inspection, Sampling, and Testing. ....................................... 100-64

106.3 Certificates of Compliance, Warranties, and Guarantees ...... 100-64

106.4 Plant Inspection. ................................................................... 100-65

106.5 General Storage of Materials On Site ................................... 100-65

106.6 Handling Materials ................................................................ 100-66

106.7 Materials not within Contract Requirements .......................... 100-66

106.8 State-Furnished Material....................................................... 100-66

SECTION 107 — LEGAL RELATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY TO PUBLIC ........ 100-68

107.1 Laws to be Observed. ........................................................... 100-68

107.2 Specific Statutes Required to be Inserted ............................. 100-68

107.3 Permits, Licenses, and Taxes ................................................. 100-69

107.4 Patented Devices, Materials, and Processes ........................ 100-69

107.5 Restoration of Surfaces Opened by Permit ........................... 100-69

107.6 Federal-Aid Participation....................................................... 100-69

107.7 Sanitary, Health, and Safety Provisions ................................ 100-70

107.8 Public Convenience and Safety Provisions ........................... 100-70

107.9 Barricades and Warning Signs .............................................. 100-70

107.10 Use of Explosives. ................................................................ 100-70

107.11 Protection and Restoration of Property and Landscape......... 100-71

107.12 Cultural Resources ............................................................... 100-71

107.13 Public Lands Protection. ....................................................... 100-71

107.14 Responsibility for Damage Claims ........................................ 100-71

107.15 Third Party Beneficiary Clause. ............................................... 100-73

107.16 Personal Liability of State Employees ................................... 100-73

107.17 No Waiver of Legal Rights .................................................... 100-73

107.18 Hazardous Material .............................................................. 100-73

107.19 Civil Rights ........................................................................... 100-74

— PROSECUTION AND PROGRESS .............................................. 100-75

108.1 Subletting of Contract ........................................................... 100-75

108.2 Preconstruction .................................................................... 100-75

108.3 Prosecution and Progress ....................................................... 100-75

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

108.4 Limitation of Operations ........................................................ 100-87

108.5 Character of Workers. ........................................................... 100-87

108.6 Equipment, Means, and Methods.......................................... 100-87

108.7 Determination and Extension of Contract Time ..................... 100-88

108.8 Failure to Complete on Time. ................................................ 100-91

108.9 Default of Contract ................................................................... 100-92

108.10 Termination of Contract ........................................................ 100-93

SECTION 109 — MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT ............................................. 100-97

109.1 Measurement of Quantities ................................................... 100-97

109.2 Scope of Payment ................................................................ 100-98

109.3 Compensation for Altered Quantities .................................... 100-98

109.4 Compensation for Contract Revisions ................................... 100-98

109.5 Eliminated Items ................................................................. 100-105

109.6 Payment for Work ................................................................100-106

109.7 Partial Payment of Lump Sum Items ................................... 100-109

109.8 Acceptance and Final Payment ...........................................100-109

109.9 Prompt Payment Procedures ...............................................100-110

109.10 Subcontractor Prompt Payment............................................. 100-110

— FINES/CHARGES TABLE......................................................... 100-111

110.01 Emergencies .......................................................................100-115

Part 200 EARTHWORK AND EROSION CONTROL SECTION 201 — SITE PREPARATION ................................................................... 200-1 SECTION 202 — EXCAVATION AND EMBANKMENT .......................................... 200-14 SECTION 203 — STRUCTURE EXCAVATION AND BACKFILL ............................ 200-38 SECTION 204 — TRIMMING AND FINE GRADING ................................................. 200-45 SECTION 205 — TRENCH EXCAVATION ............................................................ 200-46 SECTION 206 — PERIMETER EROSION CONTROLS ......................................... 200-51 SECTION 207 — CHECK DAMS ........................................................................... 200-59 SECTION 208 — DEWATERING............................................................................... 200-63 SECTION 209 — STORM DRAIN INLET PROTECTION ....................................... 200-68 SECTION 210 — TEMPORARY SEDIMENT BASIN .............................................. 200-72 SECTION 211 — CONSTRUCTION ACCESSES ..................................................... 200-73

SECTION 212 — MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF EROSION, SEDIMENT,

AND POLLUTION PREVENTION .............................................. 200-75

SECTION 213 — PLACEMENT OF MILLINGS BENEATH GUARDRAIL ............... 200-83

SECTION 214 — CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR HYDRODEMOLITION

RUNOFF .................................................................................... 200-85 SECTION 215 — CONTROL OF IMPORTED SOILS ............................................. 200-88

Part 300 AGGREGATE AND GRAVEL BASE AND SUBBASE COURSES SECTION 301 — AGGREGATE AND GRAVEL BASE COURSES ........................... 300-1 SECTION 302 — GRAVEL BORROW SUBBASE COURSES .................................. 300-3

SECTION 303 — SPECIAL GRADED AGGREGATE FOR SHAPING AND

TRIMMING DRIVEWAYS AND SHOULDERS .............................. 300-4

vi TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 400 ASPHALT PAVEMENTS

SECTION 401 — DENSE GRADED HOT MIX ASPHALT (HMA) PAVEMENTS ....... 400-1

SECTION 402 — FRICTION COURSE................................................................... 400-18 SECTION 403 — ASPHALT EMULSION TACK COAT ........................................... 400-21 SECTION 404 — RESERVED ................................................................................ 400-23 SECTION 405 — RESERVED ................................................................................ 400-24

SECTION 406 — FULL DEPTH RECLAMATION WITH CALCIUM CHLORIDE ...... 400-25

SECTION 407 — RESERVED ................................................................................ 400-28

SECTION 408 — CLEANING AND SEALING CRACKS IN ASPHALT

CONCRETE PAVEMENT ........................................................... 400-29

SECTION 409 — SAWING AND SEALING TRANSVERSE JOINTS IN

ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENTS OVER RIGID BASE ........ 400-32

SECTION 410 — TEMPORARY PATCHING OF POTHOLES AND TRENCHES... 400-34

SECTION 411 — PAVER PLACED ELASTOMERIC SURFACE TREATMENT 400-36

SECTION 412 — RUBBERIZED ASPHALT CHIP SEALING 400-39

SECTION 413 — RIDEABILITY – SURFACE COURSE .......................................... 400-47 SECTION 414 — WARM MIX ADDITIVE ................................................................ 400-52 SECTION 415 — RESERVED ................................................................................ 400-53 SECTION 416 — PAY ADJUSTMENTS ................................................................. 400-54

Part 500 CONCRETE PAVEMENTS SECTION 501 — RESERVED ................................................................................. 500-1

SECTION 502 — CLEANING, SEALING, AND REPAIRING JOINTS AND

CRACKS BETWEEN 1/16 INCH AND 1 INCH WIDE IN

PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT ......................... 500-2

SECTION 503 — REPAIRING DETERIORATED/DAMAGED JOINTS BETWEEN

1 INCH AND 8 INCHES WIDE IN FINISHED PORTLAND

CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT ............................................. 500-4

Part 600 CONCRETE SECTION 601 — PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE ............................................... 600-1

SECTION 602 — RESERVED ............................................................................... 600-27

SECTION 603 — CONTROLLED LOW STRENGTH MATERIAL (CLSM) .............. 600-28

SECTION 604 — RESERVED ............................................................................... 600-32 SECTION 605 — RESERVED ............................................................................... 600-33 SECTION 606 — RESERVED ............................................................................... 600-34 SECTION 607 — MASS CONCRETE ....................................................................... 600-35

Part 700 DRAINAGE AND SELECTED UTILITY ACCESSORIES SECTION 701 — PIPE CULVERTS AND STORM DRAINS ...................................... 700-1 SECTION 702 — MANHOLES, INLETS, AND CATCH BASINS ............................... 700-9 SECTION 703 — UNDERDRAINS AND COMBINATION DRAINS .......................... 700-17 SECTION 704 — RECONSTRUCT DRAINAGE STRUCTURES ............................ 700-20 SECTION 705 — RESERVED ............................................................................... 700-21 SECTION 706 — PLUG AND CAP PIPE – ALL SIZES ............................................ 700-22

SECTION 707 — ADJUST DRAINAGE OR UTILITY STRUCTURES ..................... 700-23

SECTION 708 — CLEANING AND FLUSHING PIPES AND DRAINAGE

STRUCTURES ............................................................................. 700-25

SECTION 709 — CONCRETE FOR THRUST BLOCKS, HEADWALLS, AND

MISCELLANEOUS PURPOSES .................................................. 700-29

SECTION 710 — CUT-INS FOR MANHOLES, CATCH BASINS AND PIPE........... 700-30

SECTION 711 — WATERWAYS .............................................................................. 700-32 SECTION 712 — GATE BOX ................................................................................. 700-34

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

Part 700 DRAINAGE AND SELECTED UTILITY ACCESSORIES (Continued) SECTION 713 — ADJUST CURB STOP AND UTILITY BOXES ............................. 700-36 SECTION 714 — POST TYPE HYDRANTS ........................................................... 700-37 SECTION 715 — GABION CHECK DAM ............................................................... 700-39 SECTION 716 — OPEN CELL CONCRETE BLOCK................................................ 700-41

Part 800 BRIDGE STRUCTURES SECTION 801 — GENERAL ....................................................................................... 800-1 SECTION 802 — TEMPORARY BRIDGES ..............................................................800-3 SECTION 803 — REMOVAL OF EXISTING STRUCTURES ..................................... 800-5 SECTION 804 — DRIVEN PILES ........................................................................... 800-10 SECTION 805 — EARTH RETAINING SYSTEMS ................................................... 800-31 SECTION 806 — TIMBER CONSTRUCTION ......................................................... 800-38 SECTION 807 — MASONRY CONSTRUCTION .................................................... 800-44

SECTION 808 — CAST-IN-PLACE STRUCTURE CONCRETE MASONRY ........... 800-55

SECTION 809 — PRECAST/PRESTRESSED STRUCTURE CONCRETE

MASONRY ........................................................................................ 800-68 SECTION 810 — REINFORCING STEEL ............................................................... 800-77

SECTION 811 — WEEP HOLES, PAVEMENT SUBDRAINS, AND WALL

DRAINS ......................................................................................... 800-82 SECTION 812 — WATER STOPS ......................................................................... 800-84 SECTION 813 — WATERPROOFING AND DAMPPROOFING ............................. 800-86 SECTION 814 — PLACEMENT OF CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS ......................... 800-89 SECTION 815 — HIGH-PRESSURE WATER CLEANING ....................................... 800-98 SECTION 816 — CONCRETE BRIDGE DECK OVERLAYS ................................. 800-102

SECTION 817 — REPAIRS TO STRUCTURE CONCRETE MASONRY .............. 800-106

SECTION 818 — PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE BRIDGE DECK REPAIR.. . 800-115

SECTION 819 — DRILL AND GROUT REINFORCING DOWELS ........................ 800-118

SECTION 820 — CONCRETE SURFACE TREATMENT PROTECTIVE

SEALER .......................................................................................... 800-119

SECTION 821 — SAWING AND SEALING JOINTS IN ASPHALT

CONCRETE PAVEMENTS ....................................................... 800-121 SECTION 822 — SILICONE HIGHWAY JOINT SEAL .......................................... 800-123 SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS ...................................................................... 800-125 SECTION 824 — STRUCTURAL STEEL CONSTRUCTION ................................ 800-134 SECTION 825 — PAINTING STRUCTURAL STEEL ............................................ 800-150

SECTION 826 — PERSONNEL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ............ 800-164

SECTION 827 — THERMAL SPRAYED ZINC COATING FOR NEW

STRUCTURAL STEEL ............................................................. 800-167 SECTION 828 — BRIDGE BEARINGS ................................................................. 800-170 SECTION 829 — BRIDGE SCUPPER PIPING ..................................................... 800-174 SECTION 830 — METAL BRIDGE RAILING ........................................................ 800-176

SECTION 831 — PEDESTRIAN CHAIN LINK FENCE – ALUMINUM ................... 800-178

SECTION 832 — BRIDGE SIGNS ........................................................................ 800-180 SECTION 833 — GRANITE IDENTIFICATION TABLETS .................................... 800-183 SECTION 834 — GRANITE CURB FOR BRIDGES ............................................... 800-185 SECTION 835 — SCUPPERS ................................................................................. 800-186

SECTION 836 — STRUCTURAL CONCRETE CRACK REPAIR BY

EPOXY RESIN BASE ADHESIVE INJECTION ......................... 800-187

SECTION 837 — RESERVED ............................................................................. 800-189 SECTION 838 — RESERVED ............................................................................. 800-190

SECTION 839 — REMOVE AND DISPOSE ASPHALT CONCRETE

PAVEMENT FROM CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS –

PARTIAL-DEPTH AND FULL-DEPTH ..................................... 800-191

viii TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part 800 BRIDGE STRUCTURES (Continued)

SECTION 840 — DECK SURFACE CONCRETE REMOVAL BY

HYDRODEMOLITION ..................................................................... 800-193

SECTION 841 — PRE- AND POST-CONSTRUCTION CONDITION

SURVEYS ........................................................................................ 800-198 SECTION 842 — ANTI-GRAFFITI COATING. ...................................................... 800-201 SECTION 843 — GALVANIZED STRUCTURAL STEEL ....................................... 800-203 SECTION 844 — MICROPILES ............................................................................ 800-206 SECTION 845 — DRILLED SHAFTS .................................................................... 800-222

Part 900 INCIDENTAL CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES SECTION 901 — STEEL BEAM GUARDRAIL .......................................................... 900-1 SECTION 902 — TENSIONED CABLE GUARDRAIL ............................................... 900-7 SECTION 903 — FENCES ....................................................................................... 900-9 SECTION 904 — REMOVE AND RESET FENCE .................................................. 900-15

SECTION 905 — SIDEWALKS, CURB RAMPS, AND DRIVEWAYS ......................900-17

SECTION 906 — CURB FOR ROADWAYS ............................................................ 900-21 SECTION 907 — DUST CONTROL ........................................................................ 900-26 SECTION 908 — RUMBLE STRIPS ....................................................................... 900-28 SECTION 909 — CONCRETE BARRIER. .............................................................. 900-30 SECTION 910 — RESERVED ................................................................................ 900-33 SECTION 911 — STONE MASONRY WALLS ........................................................ 900-34

SECTION 912 — REMOVE AND REBUILD OR CONSTRUCT NEW

DRY-LAID STONE WALLS ......................................................... 900-37 SECTION 913 — LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ............................................. 900-39 SECTION 914 — FLAGPERSONS ......................................................................... 900-42 SECTION 915 — RHODE ISLAND HIGHWAY BOUNDS ....................................... 900-44 SECTION 916 — CRASH CUSHIONS.................................................................... 900-46

SECTION 917 — REMOVE AND REPLACE RURAL MAILBOX POSTS AND

MOUNTINGS ..................................................................................... 900-51

SECTION 918 — RURAL MAILBOXES POSTMASTER APPROVED ..................... 900-53

SECTION 919 — TEST PITS .................................................................................. 900-54 SECTION 920 — RIPRAP ...................................................................................... 900-55 SECTION 921 — SLOPE PAVERS ........................................................................ 900-58 SECTION 922 — TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION SIGNS .................................... 900-59

SECTION 923 — PORTABLE CHANNELIZING DEVICES AND BARRICADES ..... 900-61

SECTION 924 — ADVANCE WARNING ARROW PANEL ...................................... 900-64 SECTION 925 — PORTABLE CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN ............................ 900-65

SECTION 926 — ANCHORED AND UNANCHORED BARRIER FOR

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL ........................................... 900-67

SECTION 927 — RESERVED ................................................................................ 900-70

SECTION 928 — SHADOW OR ADVANCE WARNING VEHICLE WITH

CRASH CUSHION AND FLASHING ARROW BOARD

OR CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN ......................................... 900-71

SECTION 929 — FIELD OFFICES ......................................................................... 900-75 SECTION 930 — PLANT FIELD LABORATORY .................................................... 900-81

SECTION 931 — CONTRACT COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CCMS) . 900-89

SECTION 932 — CUTTING AND MATCHING PAVEMENT ................................... 900-91 SECTION 933 — RESERVED ................................................................................ 900-93

SECTION 934 — FIELD CONTROL AND CONSTRUCTION LAYOUT ................... 900-94

SECTION 935 — REMOVING ASPHALT PAVEMENT BY MICRO-MILLING .......... 900-98

SECTION 936 — MOBILIZATION......................................................................... 900-100

SECTION 937 — FURNISH, INSTALL, MAINTAIN, AND MOVE TEMPORARY

TRAFFIC PROTECTION ........................................................... 900-102

TABLE OF CONTENTS ix

Part 900 INCIDENTAL CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES (Continued)

SECTION 938 — PRICE ADJUSTMENTS............................................................ 900-107

SECTION 939 — STONE WALLS IN HISTORIC, SCENIC, OR

RURAL AREAS ........................................................................ 900-110

SECTION 940 — AS-BUILT PLANS AND AS-BUILT SURVEY PLANS ................ 900-113

SECTION 941 — e-TICKETING ........................................................................... 900-118 SECTION 942 — RESERVED .............................................................................. 900-121 SECTION 943 ― ON-THE-JOB TRAINING .......................................................... 900-122 SECTION 944 — LIGHTING FOR NIGHT WORK OPERATIONS ........................ 900-129 SECTION 945 — REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT ....................... 900-131

Part L LANDSCAPING

SECTION L01 — LOAM, PLANTABLE SOIL, OR HIGH ORGANIC SOIL . ............. L-1

SECTION L02 — SEEDING ................................................................................... L-3 SECTION L03 — SODDING ................................................................................... L-8

SECTION L04 — REFERTILIZATION OF SEEDED, SODDED, AND

GRASSED AREAS ...................................................................... L-11 SECTION L05 — SEED STABILIZERS ................................................................... L-13 SECTION L06 — PLANTING .................................................................................. L-16 SECTION L07 — EXTENDED ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD..................................... L-19 SECTION L08 — TREE AND SHRUB TRIMMING ................................................... L-22 SECTION L09 — SELECTIVE CLEARING ............................................................... L-24 SECTION L10 — TREE AND SHRUB ROOT PRUNING ........................................ L-25 SECTION L11 — TREE AND SHRUB PROTECTION DEVICE ............................... L-27 SECTION L12 — RESERVED ................................................................................. L-29 SECTION L13 — RESERVED ................................................................................ L-30 SECTION L14 — HERBICIDE ................................................................................. L-31

Part M MATERIALS SECTION M01 — BORROW AND AGGREGATES................................................... M-1 SECTION M02 — PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE ............................................. M-7 SECTION M03 — ASPHALT PAVEMENTS .............................................................. M-13 SECTION M04 — DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER................................................ M-15 SECTION M05 — METALS....................................................................................... M-20 SECTION M06 — PAINT........................................................................................... M-30 SECTION M07 — SHEET PILING AND PILES ......................................................... M-33 SECTION M08 — FENCE AND GUARDRAIL .......................................................... M-37 SECTION M09 — CURBING..................................................................................... M-40

SECTION M10 — DUST CONTROL, RIPRAP, STONE WALLS,

COBBLESTONES, FLAGSTONES, AND HIGHWAY BOUNDS .. M-42

SECTION M11 — TIMBER ....................................................................................... M-44

SECTION M12 — WATERPROOFING, DAMPPROOFING, AND SEALERS

(CONCRETE PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS) ..................................... M-45

SECTION M13 — BRIDGE BEARINGS .................................................................... M-48 SECTION M14 — STONE FOR MASONRY.............................................................. M-50

SECTION M15 — TRAFFIC CONTROL AND HIGHWAY LIGHTING SYSTEMS .... M-52

SECTION M16 — SIGNS AND SIGN SUPPORTS.................................................... M-67 SECTION M17 — PAVEMENT MARKINGS.............................................................. M-86 SECTION M18 — LANDSCAPING MATERIALS....................................................... M-94 SECTION M19 — ANTI-GRAFFITI SYSTEMS........................................................ M-105 SECTION M20 — GEOTEXTILES .......................................................................... M-107 x TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part T TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS SECTION T01 — ELECTRICAL WORK .................................................................. T-1 SECTION T02 — HIGHWAY LIGHTING ................................................................. T-5

SECTION T03 — GROUND RODS AND BARE GROUND WIRE ........................... T-6

SECTION T04 — WIRE AND CABLE ...................................................................... T-7 SECTION T05 — HANDHOLES AND PULL BOXES .............................................. T-9 SECTION T06 — CONDUIT .................................................................................... T-11 SECTION T07 — LUMINAIRES .............................................................................. T-15

SECTION T08 — ALUMINUM LIGHTING STANDARDS AND FOUNDATIONS ...... T-17

SECTION T09 — SERVICE PEDESTAL ................................................................. T-20 SECTION T10 — TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEMS ..................................................... T-21

SECTION T11 — TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAST ARMS, POLES, AND

FOUNDATIONS .......................................................................... T-23

SECTION T12 — TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLERS AND CABINETS ................ T-31

SECTION T13 — DETECTION, PREEMPTION, AND PRIORITY CONTROL

SYSTEM .................................................................................... T-40 SECTION T14 — TRAFFIC SIGNAL HEADS .......................................................... T-45

SECTION T15 — DIRECTIONAL, REGULATORY, AND WARNING SIGNS ......... T-47

SECTION T16 — GROUND MOUNTED EXTRUDED ALUMINUM SIGN

PANELS, POSTS, AND BREAKAWAY SUPPORTS .................. T-55

SECTION T17 — OVERHEAD EXTRUDED ALUMINUM SIGN PANELS AND

SUPPORTS ............................................................................... T-59 SECTION T18 — DELINEATORS AND OBJECT MARKERS ................................. T-61 SECTION T19 — MILEPOST MARKERS ................................................................ T-64 SECTION T20 — PAVEMENT MARKINGS............................................................... T-65

Part 100 — General Requirements and Covenants February 2026

SECTION 101 — DEFINITIONS AND TERMS 100-1

Part 100

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND COVENANTS

— DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

101.01 GENERAL.

The titles and headings of the Sections and Subsections are for convenience and do not bear on the meaning of the text. A cross reference to a specific includes all general requirements of the Section of which the is a part.

Action required of the Bidder or Contractor in these Specifications is written as a command in the active voice, imperative mood to communicate the Bidder's or Contractor's responsibilities in a direct manner, with the exception of PART 100. The subject “the Bidder” or “the Contractor” is understood. Omission of words or phrases such as “the Contractor shall,” “unless otherwise specified,” or “unless otherwise directed” is intentional. Interpret the Specifications as if they were included. Sentences that define the Department’s responsibility are written in the indicative mood, in either active or passive voice.

The passive voice may leave the reader unclear as to who is responsible for the activity, and it often yields awkward reading. The active voice tells the reader what to do and/or who performs the activity. For example:

• Passive Voice: The Shop Drawings shall be submitted by the Contractor and approved by the RIDOT Engineer before initiating work.

• Active Voice, Indicative Mood: The Contractor submits the Shop Drawings and obtains the RIDOT Engineer’s signature before initiating work.

• Active Voice, Imperative Mood: Complete the Shop Drawings and obtain the RIDOT Engineer’s signature before initiating work.

When a publication is specified, it refers to the currently adopted version, including all applicable updates and official interpretations, before the date of Proposal Bid opening for the Project unless the publication issue has a specific date or year.

Acronyms, abbreviations, terms, or pronouns used in the Contract shall be interpreted as defined in this Section.

101.02 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.

Acronyms and abbreviations used in the Contract shall mean the following:

AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic AAN American Association of Nurserymen AAR Association of American Railroads AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ACI American Concrete Institute ADA Americans with Disabilities Act ADT Average Daily Traffic AGC Associated General Contractors of America

100-2 SECTION 101 — DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

AI Asphalt Institute AIA American Institute of Architects AISC American Institute of Steel Construction AISI American Iron and Steel Institute ALS American Lumber Standards ANSI American National Standards Institute ARA American Railway Association AREA American Railway Engineering Association ARTBA American Road and Transportation Builders Association ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers ASLA American Society of Landscape Architects ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials AWPA American Wood Preservers' Association AWS American Welding Society AWWA American Water Works Association CFR Code of Federal Regulations CPA Certified Public Accountant CPM Critical Path Method CRSI Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute DHV Design Hourly Volume EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESAL Equivalent Single Axle Loads FHWA Federal Highway Administration; U.S. Department of Transportation FSS Federal Specifications and Standards IME Institute of Makers of Explosives IMSA International Municipal Signal Association MASH Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware MIL Military Specifications MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (For Streets & Highways) NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program NEC National Electrical Code NESC National Electrical Safety Code NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association NFPA National Fire Protection Association NRMCA National Ready Mix Concrete Association NTPEP National Transportation Product Evaluation Program OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration QCP Quality Control Plan RIDOT Rhode Island Department of Transportation RIGL General Laws of the State of Rhode Island ROC Report of Change SAE Society of Automotive Engineers SSPC Steel Structures Painting Council TMP Transportation Management Plan UL Underwriters Laboratory USC United States Code USGS United States Geological Survey

101.03 ACCEPTANCE.

The Engineer’s decision that the Contractor’s work is in conformance with the Contract.

Acceptance is the system used by the Engineer to measure the degree of compliance with Contract requirements. Acceptance sampling and testing is the responsibility of the Engineer and

SECTION 101 — DEFINITIONS AND TERMS 100-3

will be performed according to the Master Schedule of Testing. Acceptance is based on the Engineer’s inspection of the work, acceptance sampling and testing, and monitoring of the Contractor’s QC efforts.

101.04 ACTS OF NATURE.

Events in nature so extraordinary that the history of climate variations and other conditions in the particular locality affords no reasonable warning of or preparation for the events, including but not limited to earthquakes, lightning strikes, tidal waves, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, or other cataclysmic phenomena of nature.

101.05 ADDITIONAL WORK.

Work which results from a change or alteration in the Contract and for which there are existing Contract unit prices.

101.06 ADJUSTMENT.

A modification to the Contract Price or Time occasioned by the performance of work beyond that required by the original Contract, including but not limited to Additional Work, Extra Work, Differing Site Conditions, Altered Work or Significant Changes in the Character of Work, and Suspensions of Work.

101.07 ADVERTISEMENT.

A public announcement inviting bids for work to be performed and/or materials to be furnished.

101.08 APPROVAL.

The Engineer’s review and concurrence of the Contractor’s submittals, submissions, or work for conformance with the Contract. The Engineer’s approval does not relieve the Contractor from any requirements of the Contract. Approval does not constitute acceptance. The terms “Approval” and “Approved” are used synonymously.

101.09 AWARD.

The executed Contract Agreement and a Purchase Order issued by the State. The Award date shall be the date of the Purchase Order.

101.10 BID.

The written offer of a Bidder, submitted on prescribed forms generated by the State’s procurement system, to perform the Work at the Contract Price and within the Contract Time and unit prices quoted. The terms “Bid” and “Proposal” are used synonymously.

100-4 SECTION 101 — DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

101.11 BID BOND.

The security furnished by the Bidder with the bid as a guaranty that the Bidder will execute the Contract Agreement if his bid is accepted by the State. The Bid Bond shall be provided by a surety acceptable to the State and licensed and authorized to conduct business in the State of Rhode Island and shall be listed with the Department of the Treasury, Fiscal Services, Circular 570 (latest revision published by the Federal Register). The terms “Bid Bond” and “Proposal Guaranty” are used synonymously.

101.12 BIDDER.

An individual, partnership, firm, corporation, joint venture, or legal entity formally submitting a Bid pursuant to the Advertisement. The terms “Bidder” and “Contractor” are used synonymously.

101.13 BID DOCUMENTATION.

All writings, working papers, computer printouts, charts, computer data files associated with the preparation, and/or submittal of a Bid, and all other information, data, or calculations used by the Contractor to determine its Bid for a Project. Bid documentation shall include but not be limited to:

• All materials relating to the determination and application of equipment rates

• Overhead rates

• Labor rates

• Production rates and productivity factors

• Calculations

• Schedules for time or any determination of time related to Project overhead

• Quotations from Subcontractors and material suppliers if these rates and quotations were used by the Contractor in formulating and determining the Bid amount

Bid documentation shall also include any manuals used by the Contractor in determining its Bid.

These manuals may be included in the bid documentation by reference and will show the name and date of the publication and the publisher. The term does not include bid documents provided by the Department for use by the Contractor in bidding on a Project.

101.14 BID SCHEDULE.

The portion of the Proposal form where the various Contract Items are listed in a numbered sequence and that includes the unit prices entered by the Bidder, the estimated quantities by the Department, and the extended total bid amounts of each item, which are computed by the State’s procurement system.

101.15 BRIDGE.

A structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction, such as water, highway, or railway, and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads.

SECTION 101 — DEFINITIONS AND TERMS 100-5

and having a length measured along the center of roadway of more than 20 ft between undercopings of abutments or extreme ends of openings for multiple boxes.

a. Bridge Length. The length of a bridge structure is the overall length measured along the line of survey stationing back-to-back of backwalls of abutments, if present, or otherwise end to end of the bridge floor, but in no case less than the total clear opening of the structure.

b. Bridge Roadway Width. The clear width measured at right angles to the longitudinal centerline of the bridge between the bottom of curbs or, in the case of multiple heights of curbs, between the bottom of the lower risers or, in the case of no curbs, between the inner faces of parapet of railing.

101.16 CALENDAR DAY.

A day shown on the calendar comprising the 24-hr period beginning and ending at midnight.

101.17 CLAIM.

A formal, written notification certified by the Contractor to the Department, asserting or justifying the right to additional compensation and/or Contract time, or other changes to the Contract.

101.18 COMPLETION.

The compliance with all Contract requirements including the delivery of all documents, certificates, and proofs of compliance to the Engineer, and if the Department has issued its Final Acceptance.

The terms “Completion” and “Final Completion” are used synonymously.

101.19 CONSENT DECREE.

The settlement between RIDOT and EPA (CV-15-433), which directs RIDOT activities related to stormwater planning, illicit discharge detection, drainage repairs, stormwater treatment, and maintenance.

101.20 CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT/UTILITIES.

An agreement between the State, acting through its Department of Transportation, and the Owners of Utilities (Owners). Owners may be either Municipalities or private Utility Companies.

The agreements establish conditions for removing, relocating, or otherwise altering the location of utilities to facilitate proposed highway and bridge construction work. The agreements divide responsibility for such alterations between the two parties and establish payment procedures by which the State will reimburse the Owners for Cost they incur in performing their respective portions of the Work.

https://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/about/protecting/stormwater/RIDOT_Decree.pdf

100-6 SECTION 101 — DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

101.21 CONSTRUCTION MANAGER.

The authorized field representative of and working under the direct supervision of the Engineer.

The Construction Manager’s main responsibility is to supervise construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with approved Plans and Specifications, and the terms of the Contract.

101.22 CONTRACT.

The formal written agreement between the State and the Contractor for the performance of the prescribed Work and consisting of the following:

a. Purchase Order. A document issued by the State and transmitted to the Contractor with copies of the executed Contract, which indicates that the appropriate accounts have been established and that funds have been assigned to those accounts for reimbursing the Contractor for its Work in implementing the Contract.

b. Contract Agreement. The written agreement, executed by the State and the Contractor setting forth the obligations of the parties for the performance of the Work.

c. Contract Documents. Documents required to complete the performance of the Contract in an acceptable manner. The documents include:

● Notice to Contractor (advertisement for bids)

● The Contract Award Booklet

● Proposal

● Contract Bond(s)

● Standard Specifications

● Supplemental Specifications

● General Provisions

● Supplement General Provisions

● General Provisions – Contract Specific

● Specifications – Job Specific

● Special Provisions

● Required Contract Provisions Federal-Aid Construction Contracts

● General and Detailed Plans

● Notice of Award

● Notice to Proceed

● Any subsequently executed Contract Addenda

d. One Instrument. The Purchase Order, executed Contract Agreement, and Contract Documents constitute one instrument; i.e., the Contract.

101.23 CONTRACT ADDENDUM.

Any change to the Contract made after its initial execution, which change shall become part of the Contract Agreement. Contract Addenda shall be in writing and executed by the original signatories, their successors in interest, or their designees. The terms “Contract Addendum” and “Contract Amendment” are used synonymously.

SECTION 101 — DEFINITIONS AND TERMS 100-7

101.24 CONTRACT AWARD BOOKLET.

A document provided to the Contractor after Contract award containing the following elements of the Contract Documents:

• Notice to Contractors

• Bidder’s Proposal

• Executed copies of both the Contract Agreement and Contract Bonds

• Contract Award compact disc (CD), or other media, containing:

○ Rhode Island Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction

○ Supplemental Specifications

○ Special Provisions

○ Required Contract Provisions for Federal-Aid Projects

○ Federal Wage Rates

○ All Contract Addenda issued before the date of the opening of proposals

○ Distribution of Quantities

○ Plans

○ Appendices

○ Bid Tabulation Reports

101.25 CONTRACT BID PACKAGE.

Documents provided to prospective bidders for bid preparation purposes, containing the following items:

• Rhode Island Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction

• Supplemental Specifications

• Special Provisions

• Required Contract Provisions for Federal-Aid Projects

• Federal Wage Rates

• Distribution of Quantities

• Plans

• Appendices

101.26 CONTRACT BOND.

The approved security furnished by the Contractor and its Surety or Sureties as a guaranty to fulfill the terms of the Contract and all amendments thereto and to pay all legal debts pertaining to the construction of the Project.

101.27 CONTRACT ITEM.

An item of Work, as provided in the Contract, for which a price is provided in the Proposal. The terms “Contract Item,” “Pay Item,” and “Bid Item” are used synonymously.

101.28 CONTRACT…