What is a Project Initiation Document (PID)?
A Project Initiation Document (PID) is a document prepared for a major or complex project on the State Highway System (SHS). It describes what the project is, why it is needed, how much it will cost, and how long it will take to build. PIDs must be developed and approved by Caltrans before transportation funds can be committed to the project (programmed) and work can begin on the SHS.
This database is an informational resource for the public, stakeholders, and local communities on non-State Highway Operation and Protection Program (Non-SHOPP) transportation projects currently being developed on the SHS. It also includes Non-SHOPP projects with completed PIDs that have not been programmed yet (unfunded).
What is a non-SHOPP project?
A non-SHOPP project is an improvement project on the SHS that is not funded through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). These projects still require PIDs but follow different funding and sponsorship paths. There are two types of non-SHOPP projects:
State Sponsored Non-SHOPP
Projects sponsored and funded by Caltrans for PID development
Local-Sponsored projects may also qualify for State Sponsored PID development if the project is in a county with a county population less than 40,000
Projects are typically funded by State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) and Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), as well as Federal discretionary grants
Local Sponsored Non-SHOPP
Projects sponsored and fully or partially funded by local or regional agencies (e.g., city, county, MPO, RTPA); may also be funded by SB 1 SCCP, TCEP, or Federal discretionary grants
Often referred to as “Reimbursement” or “Oversight” projects, requiring Caltrans review and approval before PID completion
Caltrans oversight or PID development work is performed on a reimbursement basis through a cooperative agreement
How are Completed Projects different than Active projects?
Completed means the project has a completed PID and Active means K Phase is active (e.g., PID is under development)
What is the K phase?
The K Phase is the first step in initiating a transportation project. This phase is when the PID is developed. During this phase, the team gathers existing information, reviews studies, and begins documenting the project’s purpose and need, scope, and schedule. Once the PID is finished and approved, the project is submitted as a candidate for funding. Once transportation funds are committed to the project, it can move forward to environmental analysis, design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
How are Completed projects different from Active projects?
Projects with a Completed PID Status means the project has a completed PID and Active means K Phase is active with PID development currently underway.
How do the Project ID and the PPNO differ?
Project ID and PPNO are both ways to identify a project. Project ID is unique; no two projects in Caltrans will be assigned the same project ID. PPNO is commonly used internally by Caltrans project managers, local agency partners, and the California Transportation Commission. To accommodate different dashboard users, we opt to include both IDs.
What is the next step for a Programmed Project?
When a project is programmed, transportation funding has been committed to the project, and the project will be removed from this dashboard and will show up on the Building CA Project Map.
What is the Target RTL Date (M460)?
RTL stands for Ready to List and is tracked by Caltrans as Milestone 460 (M460). It is the date when Caltrans expects to start advertising the project for construction bids. Once this milestone has been achieved, it means the project is fully designed, approved, and funded for construction, but construction hasn’t started yet.
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