Aerial photograph of a project showing the study area for a Visual Quality Analysis
A Visual Impacts Analysis must be completed for all projects that change the roadside character, including changes in the roadside character, including changes in:
- Horizontal or vertical road alignment
- Expansion of the roadway
- New intersections or interchanges
- Ferry terminal improvements
- Increased lighting
- Removal of considerable vegetation. This will vary by location. Consult with the Region Landscape Architect or HQ Roadside and Site Development office for Regions without a Landscape Architect.
The methodology for visual impact assessments can be found within:
- Visual Impact Assessment for Highway Projects, FHWA Publication No. FHWA-HI-88-054 (pdf, 3.6mb)
This field guide, which is now out of print, is available here in pdf format. It is intended to help individuals who prepare or review the coverage of visual impacts in environmental assessments or environmental impact statements for highway projects.
- WSDOT Visual Impact Assessment Methodology (pdf, 254kb)
This document can be cited or linked to document the visual impact assessment methodology used by WSDOT.
The following links will access a checklist and matrices for use with Visual Impact Assessments.
Visual Discipline Report Examples
For more information on Visual Impact Assessment, contact:
Sandy Salisbury, PLA
Phone: (360) 705-7245
E-mail: SalisbS@wsdot.wa.gov
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