Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Acronyms have become an increasingly prevalent part of western culture. They are used in almost all
occupations as a form of communications shorthand. This list is an attempt to identify and explain those
acronyms in common usage among transportation professionals in California.
The list was compiled by a former Caltrans employee over a number of years and is not an official
Caltrans document. It is offered as an informational tool. Its presence on this website does not
constitute advocacy or requirement of usage. If you have comments, questions or additions, please
contact the Division of Local Assistance Training Coordinator. We will make corrections as
appropriate.
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 1 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
ACOE Army Corps of Engineers ALOADS Automated Location and Design System
ACP Asphalt Concrete Pavement, AL Acceptable Level,
Asbestos Cement Pipe regulatory Action Level (water qual.)
ACPA American Concrete Pavement Assoc. ALP Annual Leave Program
ACPPA American Concrete Pressure Pipe Association AM Amplitude Modulation, Anti Meridian
ACR Allocation Change Request AMBAG Association of Monterey County Bay Area Govts
ACSP Automated Capital Spending Plan AMBER alert America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response
ACTA Alameda County Transportation Authority AMFA Alternative Motor Fuels Act
ACWP Actual Cost of Work Performed AMIS Automated Management Information System
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act, AMPS Advanced Mobile Phone System (ITS)
Advance Deposit Application ANPRM Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making
(for local program reimbursements.) ANSI American National Standards Institute
ADAAG Americans with Disabilities Act ANWR Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Alaska)
Accessibility Guidelines AO Agency Object (3-digit code used in TRS,
ADIS Advanced Driver Information System also in WBS)
ADM Arrow Diagramming Method AOA Activity-on-Arrow
ADMS Archived Data Management Subsystem (ITS) AON Activity-on-Node
ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution APA Asphalt Pavement Alliance
AdSC Administrative Service Center APE Area of Potential Effect
ADT Average Daily Traffic APCD Air Pollution Control District
ADUS Archived Data User Service (ITS) APDE Advance Project Development Element
AE Area Engineer APEC Automated Procedures for Engin. Consultants
A&E Architectural & Engineering APEI Area of Potential Environmental Impact
AED Associated Equipment Distributors APHA American Public Health Association
AEM Acoustic Emission Monitoring APM Area Project Managers,
AEP Association of Environmental Professionals Assistant Project Manager
AFD Architecture Flow Diagram APN Assessor’s Parcel Number
AFO Animal Feeding Operation ARRA Asphalt Recycling and Reclamation Assoc.
AFT American Farmland Trust APS Advance Planning Study;
AGC Association of General Contractors Accessible Pedestrian Signals
AGT Automated Guideway Transit APSEA Asian-Pacific State Employees Association
AHAR Automatic Highway Advisory Radio APT Accelerated Pavement Testing
AHS Automated Highway System, APTA American Public Transit Association
Average Highway Speed APTS Advanced Public Transportation System (ITS)
AI Artificial Intelligence; active ingredient APU auxiliary power units
Asphalt Institute APWA American Public Works Association
AIA American Institute of Architects AQCP Air Quality Control Program
AIAC American Indian Advisory Council AQCR Air-Quality Control Region
AI/E Architectural Inventory/Evaluation form AQI Air Quality Index
AID Architecture Interconnect Diagram (ITS) AQMA Air-Quality Maintenance Area
AIHA American Industrial Health Association AQMD Air Quality Management District
AIMS Agency Information Management Strategy (TMS) AQMP Air Quality Management Plan
AIP American Institute of Planners ARA Automatic Road Analyzer
AIRS Aerometric Information Retrieval System ARB Air Resources Board
ALGOL Algebraic Oriented Language AR’s Attainment Regulations
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 2 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers BADT Best Available Demonstrated Technology
ASCII American Standard Code of Info. Interchange BAGR Bridge Approach Guard Rail
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and BAMS Bid Analysis and Management System
ASNT American Society for Nondestructive Testing BASS Black Advocates in State Service
ASPEN Automated Telephone Answering System BASIC Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
BAT Best Available Technology,
ASR Archaeological Survey Report;
(Evaluation of prehistoric archaeological Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (DOL)
ASTM American Society for Testing Materials BCA Benefit Cost Analysis
ATIS Advanced Traveler Information Systems BCP Budget Change Proposal: Official request to
ATMS Advanced Traffic Management Systems D/Finance & Legislature to revise level or sources
ATSAC Automated Traffic Surveillance & Control System BCR Begin Curb Return
ATSSA American Traffic Safety Services Association BCWP Budgeted Cost of Work Performed
AVCO Automatic Vehicle Control Systems BEAR Broad Emergency Assistance Radio (System)
AVCS Advanced Vehicle Control Systems (ITS) BEES Basic Engineering Estimating System
Automated Vehicle Location (ITS) BFRs Brominated Flame Retardants: widely used in
AVO Automated Vehicle Operation (ITS) plastics, foams, textiles, many electrical
AVR Average Vehicle Ridership appliances, and building materials such as house
AWRA American Water Resources Association walls, roofs and parking decks. Increasing
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 3 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 4 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
CaTNAP California Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol Caltrans Employment Advisory Committee
(http://env.dot.ca.gov/env/noise/index.htm) CEBC Conference
CATV Cable Television CEC California Energy Commission;
CB Catch Basin, Citizens Band Caltrans Encroachment Committee
CBA Cost Benefit Analysis CELSOC Consulting Engs. and Land Surveyors of Calif.
CBC California Bicycle Coalition, CEMs Continuous Emissions Monitors
California Building Code CEP Cumulative Exposure Project
CBD Central Business District CEQ Council of Environmental Quality
CBMC Causes Beyond My Control (my coinage) (Federal Agency)
CBO Congressional Budget Office CEQA California Environmental Quality Act (1970)
CBR California Bearing Ratio CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental.Response,
CBTP Community Based Transportation Planning grants Compensation/Liab. Act
CC Construction Complete CERES Calif. Envir. Resources Evaluation System
CCA California Coastal Act of 1976 CERF Civil Engineering Research Foundation
CCAA Calif. Clean Air Act CERL Construction Engineering Research Laboratory
CCAPA California Chapter of the American Planning CESA Calif. Endangered Species Act
Association CEU Continuing Education Unit
CCB Change Control Board CFC Cost of Facilities Capital, Chlorofluorocarbons
CCC California Coastal Commission; CFDA Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance
California Conservation Corps http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/cfda/index.htm#newsearch
CCI Construction Cost Index CFM Chlorofluoromethanes
CCIC Central California Information Center CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CCMP Comprehensive Conservation and Manage. Plan CFRA The California Family Rights Act of 1992 is a
CCO Contract Change Order State law administered and enforced by the
CCR California Code of Regulations California Department of Fair Employment and
CCROC California Civil Rights Officers Council Housing. CFRA was revised to conform to the
CCS California Coordinate System; Family Medical Leave Act of 1993.
Construction Control Survey CFRP Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic
CCSFCC City-County-State-Federal Cooperation Council CFS Cubic feet per second
CCTV Closed Circuit TV CFU Colony Forming Unit (water qual)
CD Contract delegation (purchase order) C&G Curb and Gutter
CDC Centers for Disease Control CGP Construction General Permit (NPDES)
CDF California Department of Forestry CH 4 Methane
CDBG Community Development Block Grant CHIN California Highway Information Network
CDFG Calif. Dept of Fish & Game CHP Calif. Highway Patrol
CDH California Division of Highways CHIN California Highway Information Network:
CDL California Drivers License 1-800-427-7623, 999
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access (ITS) or www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo, #999
CDPD Cellular Digital Packet Data (ITS) CHRIS Calif. Historical Resources Information System
CD(PO) Contract Delegation (Purchase Order) CIA Community Impact Assessment; Evaluates the
CE Categorical Exclusion (NEPA); impacts that a project may have on community,
Categorical Exemption, (CEQA) incl, neighborhoods and farmland.
Construction Engineering CIC Critical Intersection Control
CEA Career Executive Assignment (Appointment) CIDH Cast-in-Drilled-Hole
CEAC County Engineers Association of California; CIMAC Caltrans Improves Mobility Across California
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 5 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 6 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
CSO Combined Sewer Overflow CYA Cover Your Assets (not CT);
CSP Corrugated Steel Pipe; California Youth Authority
Communication Service Provider (ITS) CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act
CSPA Corrugated Steel Pipe Arch CZARA Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments
CSRC California Special Reference Center
(global positioning technologies) D
CSS Context Sensitive Solutions (involving all
stakeholders in the development of a project to ensure DAB Digital Audio Broadcast (ITS)
that a project fits its physical setting and preserves DAC Disability Advisory Council
scenic, aesthetic, historic and environmental resources DAF Damage Assessment Form
while maintaining safety and mobility. DAMP Drainage Analysis & Modeling Program
CSTI California Specialized Training Institute DAR Defense Access Roads
CSUS California State University, Stanislaus; Sac. DARTS Dynamic Arterial Responsive Traffic Signal System
CSWC Construction Storm Water Coordinator DAT Diagnostic Acceptance Testing
CT Caltrans Census Tract DAT.COM Director’s Advisory Team for Communication
CTAA Community Transportation Assoc. of America DBA Doing Business As, Decibels, "A" Scale
CTAP Cooperative Training Assistance Program (Fed) DBE Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
CTB Cement Treated Base DBELO Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer
CTC California Transportation Commission; DBMS Data Base Management System
Nine appointed members D/C Demand Capacity ratio
CTE Center For Transportation And The Environment DCIU Discrimination Complaint Investigation Unit
CTO Compensatory Time Off DCP Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
CTP California Transportation Plan DCS Data Collection System
CTIFS Calif. Transportation Infrastructure Funding System DCU Discrimination Complaint Unit
CTIPS California Transportation Improvement Plan DD District Director; Data Dictionary (ITS)
System. A computer database used by CT & DDC District Division Chief
MPOs to input & track Fed. Funded transportation DDD Deputy District Director
projects. See LPAMS DDE Data Dictionary Element (ITS)
CTIS California Transportation Investment Strategy DDT DichloroDiphenylTrichloroethane
CTPB Cement Treated Permeable Base DEB District Environmental Branch
CTR California Toxics Rule DED Draft Environmental Document
C-TRIS Calif. Transportation Research Info. System (UCB) DEIR Draft Environmental Impact Report (CEQA)
CTS Commuter Transportation Services DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement
CTSA Coordinated Service Transportation Agency (NEPA)
CUF Commercially Useful Function (DBE) DEN Data Exchange Network (ITS)
CV Cost Variance DES Division of Engineering Services
CVAS Commercial Vehicle Administration Subsystem (ITS) Diethylstilbesterol
CVCS Commercial Vehicle Check Subsystem (ITS) DF Douglas Fir
CVHAS Cooperative Vehicle-Highway Automation Systems DFD Data Flow Diagram (ITS)
CVISN Commercial Vehicle Info. Systems and Networks (ITS) DfE Design for the Environment
CVO Commercial Vehicle Operations (ITS) DFEH Department of Fair Employment and Housing
CVS Commercial Vehicle Subsystem (ITS) (California)
CWA Clean Water Act DFG Dept of Fish and Game (Cal)
CWD Corridor Wide Display System (ITS) DGAC Dense Graded Asphalt Concrete
CWNS Clean Water Needs Survey DGAC(R) Dense Graded Asphalt Concrete (Rubberized)
CY Calendar Year
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 7 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
DGPS Differential Global Positioning System (ITS) DSB Donor State Bonus funds
DGS Department of General Services DSC Division of Structure Construction
DHS Department of Health Services DSI Detailed Site Investigation
DHHS Department of Health and Human Services (Feds) DSMP District System Management Plan
DHV Two way Design Hourly Volume DSRC Dedicated Short Range Communications (ITS)
DI Drainage Inlet DST Daylight Savings Time
DIB Design Information Bulletin DSWC District Storm Water Coordinator
DIB 82 Pedestrian Accessibility Guidelines for Highway Projects DTA Dynamic Traffic Assignment (ITS)
DIP Diamond Interchange Program DTAC Departmental Transportation Advisory Committee
DLAE District Local Assistance Engineer DTBB double thrie beam barrier
DLR Detection Limit for Reporting (water qual.) DTIM Direct Travel Impact Model
DMBB Double metal beam barrier DTM Digital Terrain Modeling
DME District Materials Engineer DTR Director’s Tracking Report
DMR Discharge Monitoring Report (tracks consultant services contracts)
DMS Dynamic Message Sign (ITS) DVAC District Value Analysis Coordinator
DMT Division of Mass Transportation DVBE Disadvantaged Veteran Business Enterprise
DMV Department of Motor Vehicles DWEL Drinking Water Equivalent Level
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid DWNS Drinking Water Needs Survey
DND Draft Negative Declaration DWR Dept. of Water Resources
DOA Division of Aeronautics; Division of Accounting DWS Drinking Water Standard
DOC Department of Commerce (Feds)
DOD Department Of Defense E
DOE Department Of Energy; District Office Engineer
DOF Department of Finance EA Expenditure Authorization;
DOL FOH Dept. of Labor Field Operations Handbook (Feds) Environmental Assessment;
DPR Department of Parks and Recreation (The Office EBL Eligible Bridge List
Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act is End Horizontal Curve, End Curve
part of State Parks and Recreation. Hence, the ECPA Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ITS)
DPR forms for Section 106.) ECR Engineering Cost Reporting system,
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 8 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
ELI Element Level Inspection (bridges) E-76 Authorization to Proceed Summary Form
EMC Event Mean Concentration (Storm Runoff);
Emergency Management Center (ITS) F
EMMS Emissions Management Subsystem (ITS)
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
EMS Extinguishable Message Signs
FACTS Flexible Advanced Computer Traffic Signal System
Equipment Management Systems
FADS Federal Aid Data System: System which
EO Equal Opportunity, Executive Order
DLAEs & HQ enter project information and
EOC Emergency Operations Center
which links CT to FHWA’s FMIS system. Does
EOG Education And Outreach Group
not link to LP2000.
EOS Equivalent Opening Size (Geotextile-Fabric);
FAE Federal-Aid Eligibility Code: This single-digit
Edge of Shoulder
code is a prefix used with the three-digit Agency
E&P Environmental & Permit
Object Code to form the Caltrans four-digit
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
Object (FAE 6, 7, or 8) and Activity (FAE 1 or 2)
EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community
Codes. The FAE denotes whether or not the
Right-to-Know Act
Object/Activity Code is eligible for federal
EPI Economic Policy Institute
reimbursement. FAE 1 or 6 denotes eligibility for
EPL Excluded Partial List (DBE)
federal reimbursement, FAE 2 or 7 denotes non-
EPM Ending Post Mile
eligibility for reimbursement, and FAE 8 denotes
EPROM Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
undetermined eligibility.
ER Emergency Relief (Fed)
FAHP Federal Aid Highway Program
ERC Emergency Resource Center
FAI Federal Aid Interstate
ERISA Employee Retirement Income Security
FAP Federal Aid Primary
ERNS Emergency Response Notification System
FAPG Federal Aid Policy Guide
ERPP Ecosystem Restoration Program Plan (CALFED)
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
ES Early Start
FAR Federal Acquisition Regulations
ESA Endangered Species Act;
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 9 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
FARA Federal Acquisition Reform Act FLHP Federal Lands Highway Program
FARES First American Real Estate Solutions Floodplain Risk and Location Hydraulic Study:
FARS Fatal Accident Reporting System (ITS) Analyzes the potential for impacts that a project
FAS Federal Aid Secondary Funding may have on increasing risk of flooding.
FAU Federal Aide Urban funding FLSA Fair Labor Standards Act
F&C Frame & Cover FM Function Manager
F&G Frame & Grate FMC Freeway Management Center (ITS)
FCAA Federal Clean Air Act of 1990 FMCS Fleet Management and Control Systems
FCWA Federal Clean Water Act FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FCR Flexible Congestion Relief program FMIS Federal Management Information System
(State, discontinued) FMLA Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
FDR Full Depth Reclamation (of pavament) FMMP Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
FE Fund Estimate; Fugitive Emissions FMP Fishery Management Plan; File Maker Pro
FEBBS Federal Electronic Bulletin Board System FMS Fleet Management Subsystem (ITS)
FED Final Environmental Document FMU Forest Management Unit
(EIS, ND or FONSI) FMVSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
FEHA Fair Employment and Housing Act (Calif.) FNMA Federal National Mortgage Association
FEIN Federal Employer Identification Number (“Fannie Mae”)
FEIR Final Environmental Impact Report (CEQA) FNM-76 Form to FMIS, auth. to proceed
FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement (NEPA) FO Functionally Obsolete (bridge)
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FOE Finding of Effect; Friends Of the Earth
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FOI Freedom of Information
FES Flared end section FOIA Freedom Of Information Act
FESA Federal Endangered Species Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact (NEPA)
FF Free Float / Finish to Finish FOT Field Operational Test (ITS)
FFA Future Farmers of America FPA Fair Practices Act (subletting and subcontracting)
FFGA Full Funding Grant Agreements FPIF Fixed-Price-Incentive-Fee
FFP Firm Fixed Price FPN Federal Project Number (FADS)
FFS Fee For Service health plan FPPA Farmland Protection Policy Act (US – 1984)
FFY Federal Fiscal Year (October 1 thru September 30) FPPP Facility Pollution Prevention Plans
FHLMC Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation FPR Final Program Review
(Freddie Mac) FR Federal Register
FHPM Federal Aid Highway Program Manual FRA Federal Railroad Administration
FHWA Federal Highway Administration; FRIS Final Relocation Assistance Statement
administers Federal highway funds FRM Federal Reference Method, Final Rule Making
FICA Federal Insurance Contributions Act FRO Federal Resources Office
FIF Final Inspection Form FRP fiber reinforced polymer, used in concrete
FIP Federal Implementation Plan F-SHRP Future Strategic Highway Research Program
FIPS Federal Information Processing Standard (ITS) FSOR Final Statement of Reasons
FIR Federal Indian Reservation FS Finish-to-Start
FIRM Federal Insurance Rate Maps (Flood Plains) FSA Flexible Spending Account health plan
F/L Finance Letter FSHCC Fast Setting Hydraulic Cement Concrete
FLEP Forest Land Enhancement Program FSP Freeway Service Patrol
(U.S. Forest Service) FSR Feasibility Study Report;
FLHD Federal Land Highway Division Financial Study Report
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 10 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
within the planning area of an MPO. Short range H&T Hub and Tack
Projects are drawn from the STIP and SHOPP. HABS Historic American Buildings Survey
FTP File Transfer Protocol, Federal Test Procedures HAER Historic American Engineering Record
FVMSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards HAPPS Hazardous Air Pollution Prioritization System
FWPCA Federal Water Pollution Control Act HASR Historic Architecture Survey Report;
FWS Fish & Wildlife Service (US) Evaluation of historic structures in the project
GHSR Governor's Highway Safety Representative HES Hazard Elimination Safety program (Fed)
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 11 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
HMWM High Molecular Weight Methacrylate IBRC Innovative Bridge Research and Construction
(2 and in some cases 3 or more per car.) ICAS Internet Contract Administration System
HPMS Highway Performance Monitoring System IDL Interface Definition Language (ITS)
HPS High Performance Steel IEEE The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
HPSR Historic Properties Survey Report; IEN Information Exchange Network (ITS)
Summarizes findings of HRER, ASR and HASR IFB Invitation for Bid
made features (canals) in the project study area IIP Inter-regional Improvement Program
ILD Inductive Loop Detector
HRIS Highway Research Information Service, IMPC Integrated Plant Management and Control
HSDB Hazardous Substance Data Base IMS Intermodal Facilities and Systems Management System
HSIS Highway Safety Information System ILV/hr Intersecting Lane Vehicles per hour
HSP Highway Safety Plan IPA Information Practices Act; places specific
HSPF Heating Season Performance Factor requirements on State agencies in the collection,
HSOPP Highway Systems Operations & Protection Plan use, maintenance, and dissemination of
HSR High Speed Rail, Historic Survey Report information relating to individuals.
HTML Hypertext Markup Language IRR Intercity Rail; Indian Reservation Roads
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 12 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
ISC Indirect Source Control KISS Keep It Simple, Stupid (not CT)
ISEA International Safety Equipment Assoc. KSA Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
J LDPE
LDS
Low Density Polyethylene
Labor Distribution System
JCP Jointed Concrete Pavement LEDPA Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative
JPA Joint Powers Agreement LEM Location Efficient Mortgage (see TOD)
JPCP Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement LEO Low-Earth Orbit Satellite System
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 13 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
LOS Level of Service (A=freeflow, F=gridlock) MAIT Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team
LRMS Location Reference Messaging Standard (ITS) MCD Minor Civil Division
LRT Light Rail Transit MCEDC Merced City Economic Development Corp.
LS Lump sum, Late Start, Land Surveyor MCFC Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell
LSSRP Local Seismic Safety Retrofit Program MCL Maximum Contaminant Level
LSTP Local Surface Transportation Plan MCLG maximum contaminant level goal (water qual)
LSUM Linear Synchronous Unipolar Motor MCM Minimum Control Measures (water qual)
L&T Lead and Tack (surveying) MCSAP Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program
LTA Local Transportation Authority MDB&M Mt. Diablo Base and Meridian (surveying)
LTAP Local Technical Assistance Program MDI Model Deployment Initiative (ITS)
LTEC Least Total Expected Cost to the public design MEP Minority Engineering Programs,
LTF Local Transportation Fund; receives TDA Maximum Extent Practicable (water qual)
revenues = 0.25% sales tax for transit, bike & MERS Maintenance Employees' Reporting System
LTMA Lightweight Truck Mounted Attenuator META Maintenance Equipment Training Academy
LTPP Long-Term Pavement Performance METS Materials Engineering and Testing Services
LUICE Land use Inventory Contingency and Edit MID Modesto Irrigation District
LUST Leaking Underground Storage Tank MIME Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension
LVDT Linear Variable Differential Transformers Minor Project- Less than $750,000, not STIP or SHOPP. In California, minor
capital outlay consists of construction projects or equipment acquired to complete a
LVR Low Volume Road construction project estimated to cost less than $750,000. The California
Transportation Commission allocates a fiscal year level for this category with
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 14 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
specific project allocation approval delegated to the Department. Minor is further MUTCD Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
segregated into two categories: Minor A - Minor construction projects with an
estimated contract value between $117K - $750K. Minor B - Minor construction MVMA Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association
projects with an estimated value less than $117,000.
MWBE Minority Women-owned Business Enterprise
MIS Management Information Systems,
Major Investment Study N
MITMT Major Incident Traffic Management Team
MJC Major Collector (Rural); Modesto Junior College NA National Architecture (ITS)
MMANC Municipal Management Association of Northern NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
MMSI Maintenance Management System Improvement NACG National Association of County Governments
MPGR Metal Plate Guard Railing NAHSC National Automated Highway System Consortium
NAICS North American Industrial Classification System
MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization
MPU Microprocessing Unit NALEO National Association of Latino Elected and
Management System Activities, a two digit code NAP Non-attainment Area Plan
for levels 5,6 or 7 in WBS, also on TRS NAPA National Academy for Public Assistance, National
Medical Savings Account health plan Asphalt Paving Association, National Automobile
MS-DOS MicroSoft-Disk Operating System NAPCA National Air Pollution Control Administration
MSDS Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet NAR National Architecture Review (ITS)
MSE Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining NARD Numerical Analysis of Roadside Design
MS4 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System NARSTO North American Research Strategy for
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 15 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
NBI National Bridge Inventory, bridge data supplied NHS National Highway System
by states for the NBIS (see also BMS) NHSB National Highway Safety Bureau
NBIS National Bridge Inspection Standards, are NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
minimum requirements for inspection standards NIA National ITS Architecture
National Bridge Inventory System NICET National Institute for Certification in
NBS National Bureau of Standards Engineering Technologies
NBSSR Noise Barrier Scope Study (or Summary) Report NIH National Institutes of Health
for sound wall projects NII National Information Infrastructure (ITS)
NCAC National Crash Analysis Center NIMBY Not In My Back Yard
NCAPA Northern California Asphalt Producers Assoc. NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NCAT National Center for Asphalt Technology NIPC National Infrastructure Protection Center (FBI)
NCCER National Council for Civil Engineering Research NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
NCEER National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research NLAA Not Likely to Adversely Effect
NCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research Program NLT COB No Later Than Close Of Business
NCPP National Center for Pavement Preservation NMCSP National Motor Carrier Safety Program
NCSL National Conference of State Legislatures NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
ND Negative Declaration, None Detected (water qual) NMSL National Maximum Speed Limit
NDAA Natural Disaster Assistance Act NO Nitric Oxide
NDI Non-Industrial Disability Insurance NOA Naturally Occurring Asbestos; Notice of Arrival
NDSP National Dam Safety Program NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NDT Non-Destructive Testing NOAEL no-observed-adverse-effect level
NE no effect NOEL No Observable Effect Level
NEAR National Emergency Aid Radio NOC Notice of Construction
NEDS National Emissions Data System NOCC Notice of Construction Completion
NEEP National Experimental and Evaluation Program NOD Notice of Determination
NEHRP National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (CEQA – project approval)
NEIS National Environmental Information Service NOI Notice of Intent
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEPA process, notice placed in Federal Register
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act (1969)- all advising public that EIS will be prepared for a
Fed. funded projects require Fed. review project)
NES/BA Natural Environmental Survey / Biological NOL Naval Ordinance Laboratory
Assessment; Evaluation of native species and NOP Notice of Preparation
habitat found in project study area. (CEQA – notice that EIS will be prepared)
NESHAP National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air NOPR Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking
Pollutants NOS National Oceanic Survey
NET National Emissions Trends Inventory n.o.s. not otherwise specified
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program NOT Notice of Termination
NFPA National Fire Prevention Association N2O Nitrous Oxide
NGS National Geodetic Survey NOx Nitrogen Oxides
NGVD National Geodetic Vertical Datum NORM Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material
NHI National Highway Institute NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System
NHPA National Historic Preservation Act, (revised, thanks to Mary MacGillivray, District 7 Office of Project Studies)
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 16 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 17 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 18 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 19 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
R RFP
RFQ
Request for Proposal
Request for Qualifications
Request for Quotation
RA Reasonable Alternative; Regulatory Alternatives;
RFS Richmond Field Station (UCB)
Regulatory Analysis; Remedial Action;
RIA Regulatory Impact Analysis;
Resource Allocation; Risk Analysis;
Regional ITS Architecture
Risk Assessment
RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
RABA Revenue Aligned Budget Authority, annual
RIFA Red Imported Fire Ant
funding adjustment highway program to firewall
RIP Regional Improvement Plan
level reflecting receipt estimates.
RLF Red Legged Frog
RAC Rubberized Asphalt Concrete
RM risk management
Research Advisory Committee
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 20 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 21 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 22 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
SR Sufficiency Rating (bridge) or State Route STRUDL Structural Design Language (computer program)
SRF State Revolving (Loan) Fund (Clean Water Act) STURAA Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation
SROA State Restriction of Appointments Assistance Act (1987)
SRP Secondary Road Plans SU Source Unit
SRT Slotted Rail Terminal SUDP Specific Urban Development Plan
SRTP Short Range Transit Plans SULEV super ultra low emission vehicles
SS Scheduled Start Date / Start-to-Start Superpave Superior PERforming asphalt PAVEments
SSE Separate State Estimate SUSMP Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan
SSA Sole Source Aquifer SV Schedule Variance
SSB Scope, Schedule, and Budget SW Sidewalk Storm Water
ssambn such sums as may be necessary SWAG Stuff We All Get
SSN Social Security Number Scientific Wild Ass Guess
SSES Sewer System Evaluation Survey (not CT. We don’t guess, we know)
SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow SWDR Storm Water Data Report
SSPP Structural Steel Plate Pipe SWITRS Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System
SSPs Standard Special Provisions SWLF Solid Waste Landfill
SSR Standard Speed Rail SWMP Storm Water Management Plan
SSTAC Social Service Transportation Advisory Council SWMU Solid Waste Management Unit
STA State Transit Assistance; SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
State funding for mass transit oper. & cap. Imp., SWQAG Storm Water Quality Assessment Guide
By law, STA must receive 50% of PTA revenues SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
STA State Transportation Agency SWTF Storm Water Task Force
STAA Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 SYSOP Systems Operator
STANCOG Stanislaus Council of Governments
STAPPA State And Territorial Air Pollution Program T
Administrators
STBB Single Thrie Beam Barrier T2 Technology Transfer
STE State Transportation Enhancement TAC/ALC Technical Advisory Committee for Agricultural
4-year list of projects approved by CTC and is a TAM Transportation Asset Management
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 23 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 24 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
TRIS Transportation Research Information System; UCP Unified Certification Program (DBE)
TRS Time Reporting System (history) UHPC Ultra High Performance Concrete
TRSP Traffic-Responsive Plan (Generation) UIT ultrasonic impact treatment, for welds
TRVS Transit Vehicle Subsystem (ITS) UMRA Un-funded Mandates Reform Act
TSC Transportation Systems Center UMTA Urban Mass Transit Agency, ……Administration
TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and
TSDF Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities UNPARs Unprogram Project Approval Requests
TSM Transportation System Management program URISA Urban and Regional Information Systems Assoc.
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 25 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
UROAD Urban Mass Transportation Agency common measurement for driving demand
USA United States of America; VOC Volatile Organic Compounds;
Underground Service Alert Volume and Occupancy Control (Constant)
USC United States Code; Unified Soil Classification VOS Vehicle Operating Survey
USC&GS United States Coast and Geodetic Survey VRC Vehicle/Roadside Communications (ITS)
USCE United States Corps of Engineers (ARMY)
USCG United States Coast Guard W
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
WADS Wide Area Detection Systems
USFS U.S. Forest Service
WAN Wide Area Network
USFWS United States Fish & Wildlife Service
USGS United States Geological Survey WASHTO Western Association of State Highway &
USPLS United States Public Land Surveys WBE Woman-owned Business Enterprise
UTPS Urban Transportation Planning System WGRA Western Governmental Research Association
UUA use attainability analysis, WHO World Health Organization / United Nations
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 26 of 27
Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage
Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 01/03/10
Y
YARTS Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System
YATI Yosemite Area Traveler Information
YS Yellow Stripe
Y2K The Year 2000 Computer Problem
Z
ZBB Zero Based Budgeting: process requiring
justification of every dollar (and person-year) of
an organization's/program's proposed budget for
the budget year. The assumed program level for
the budget year is zero, thus intensive justification
and critical review of all components is required
before approval
ZEV Zero Emissions Vehicle
ZRL Zero Risk Level
A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 27 of 27