CSS addresses the need, purpose, safety and service of a transportation project, as well as the protection of scenic, aesthetic, historic, environmental and other community values. CSS is an approach to transportation solutions that find, recognize and incorporate issues/factors that are part of the larger context such as the physical, social, economic, political and cultural impacts.
"Context Sensitive Solutions is more than an initiative; it is a fundamental change in the way we do business. As each of us come to understand the elements of CSS, it will be woven into the way we do our work and become an integral part of the UDOT culture," said John Njord, UDOT Executive Director.
What CSS is Not
- A separate set of processes or standards
- Aesthetic add-ons
- Cookie cutter solutions
- An open checkbook to gold plate a project
UDOT's Strategic Direction
UDOT applies our CSS philosophy to projects to help reach the department's four strategic goals:
- Take care of what we have
- Make the system work better
- Improve safety
- Increase capacity
These goals are achieved through strong interdisciplinary/interagency collaboration and proactive stakeholder involvement discussions throughout the planning, design, construction, and maintenance project phases.
CSS Outcomes
- Connects communities
- Improves quality of life
- Understands values, perspectives and context
- Provides the right solution for the problem
- Allows for community-based decision making
- Creates balance between transportation, community and environmental contexts
