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Standard plans and special details

  • What is a standard plan?

    A standard plan is an MDOT‑approved drawing used for repetitive situations where specific construction details are appropriate. These plans are approved by MDOT administrators and the Federal Highway Administration. They are created by the Design Standards Unit for statewide use by MDOT, counties and cities. Current applicable standard plans are listed on the note sheet in a set of construction plans.

  • What is a special detail?

    A special detail is typically a draft version of a standard plan that is still in the approval process. Once approved by MDOT administrators and the Federal Highway Administration, it becomes a standard plan. Special details may also include experimental items or details with limited use. Many limited‑use details are eventually discontinued once the conditions they were designed for no longer apply. Applicable special details appear on the note sheet and are included directly in construction plan sets. Individual design units may also develop special details for unique project conditions.

  • How do I get a Standard Plan book, Road Design Manual or Bridge Design Manual?

    These publications are available in PDF format on the MDOT website for informational convenience. Full downloadable sets are provided for users who want to print and maintain their own hard‑copy versions.

  • How can I get a copy of a special detail?

    Special details are available as PDFs on the MDOT website. Consultants who must attach special details to construction plans are required to subscribe to the Road and Bridge Design Publications email updates to ensure they are using the latest versions.

  • Can I have the electronic file for a specific standard plan?

    Standard plans are available as PDFs on the MDOT website. These electronic files are provided solely as a convenience for accessing information.


  • Why isn’t there a Standard Plan for a specific item?

    Standard plans are intended for details used repeatedly in construction. Items that occur infrequently should be detailed directly within project plans. Limited‑use or experimental items are addressed through special details instead of standard plans.