This bill mandates the involvement of a geotechnical engineer in transportation projects that require geotechnical testing, groundwater testing, and deformation monitoring. The geotechnical engineer is responsible for providing recommendations on the type and frequency of geotechnical tests during the design phase, which must be implemented during construction unless exempted by the State transportation engineer or an equivalent authority. Additionally, the bill stipulates that construction cannot begin on projects requiring groundwater testing until such testing has been completed, with ongoing monitoring as necessary based on site conditions. The data from groundwater testing must not exceed three years from the start of construction.

Furthermore, if deformation monitoring is deemed necessary, deformation data must be collected and compared against acceptable limits set by the geotechnical engineer. Should deformation exceed these limits, advanced monitoring will be required for a specified period post-construction. The Department of Transportation is also required to adhere to all internal standards and procedures without waiving any unless approved by the State transportation engineer or an equivalent authority. The bill will take effect 180 days after enactment and does not apply to projects that have already surpassed certain developmental milestones.