The unit also is involved in the development of plans with the Federal Highway Administration and other units in the Division of Highways, including Location and Surveys, Photogrammetry, Hydraulics, Geotechnical, Construction, Roadside Environmental, Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch (PDEA), and the 14 divisions in the field of North Carolina.

The Roadway Design Unit currently includes 13 project engineer groups. Each project engineer supervises three design squads, each consisting of five to seven engineers and technicians. The latest CADD computer technology is used in design squads for drafting, design, and plotting activities.

Design squads are responsible for:

• Working on preliminary corridor locations with the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch (PDEA) to develop functional designs.
  
  
• Using topographic maps and aerial photographs, design squads determine the general highway location along with the types and general layouts of interchanges. Squads compare alternate locations and prepare maps for displays and presentations at public hearings. Following the public hearings, final designs are developed. The final location is furnished to the location and photogrammetry units to acquire the necessary survey data to implement the plans.
  
  
• Developing the functional, preliminary and final design for the complex interchanges on all highways to incorporate into the final roadway plans.
  
  
• Preparing right-of-way plans for the Right of Way Branch to purchase properties needed for construction of the projects.
  
  
• Preparing, developing and assembling final construction plans and estimating quantities of construction materials. Major quantity computations include earthwork, pavement items and drainage. Specialty plans are incorporated into the project from other units.