Roadside Manual
The Roadside Manual supplements the Roadside Policy Manual (RPM) by explaining how to implement the policies found in the RPM. The Roadside Manual links partners working on WSDOT roadsides. Chapters include laws and policies, visual functions, wetlands, wildlife, safety rest areas, soil amendments, contour grading, soil bioengineering, vegetation, restoration, and design enhancement.
December 2023 revision package (PDF 3.25MB)
Individual Chapters
Chapter 100 Manual Description (PDF 128KB)
Chapter 110 Roadside Functions (PDF 388KB)
Chapter 120 Sustainable Roadside (PDF 132KB)
Chapter 200 Roadside Policy (PDF 164KB)
Chapter 210 Federal Legislation and Directives (PDF 136KB)
Chapter 220 State Legislation and Directives (PDF 189KB)
Chapter 230 Departmental of Policy and Planning (PDF 229KB)
Chapter 300 Operational Functions (PDF 158KB)
Chapter 310 Roadside Safety (PDF 243KB)
Chapter 320 Signing (PDF 147KB)
Chapter 400 Environmental Functions (PDF 152KB)
Chapter 500 Visual Functions (PDF 252KB)
Chapter 600 Auxiliary Functions (PDF 107KB)
Chapter 610 Safety Rest Areas and Traveler Services (PDF 34KB)
Chapter 620 Universal Access (PDF 34KB)
Chapter 630 Parking Area Design (PDF 2.9MB)
Chapter 700 Soil and Soil Amendments (PDF 566KB)
Chapter 710 Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (PDF 309KB)
Chapter 720 Contour Grading (PDF 292KB)
Chapter 740 Soil Bioengineering (PDF 2.3MB)
Chapter 800 Vegetation (PDF 1.1MB)
Chapter 810 Vegetation Restoration (PDF 243KB)
Chapter 820 Irrigation (PDF 234KB)
Chapter 830 Revegetation for Stream Restoration and Fish Passage Projects (PDF 3.06MB)
Slow down on ice and snow.
It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.
Carry chains, practice installing them.
Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.
Pack your winter car kit.
Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.