To set forth pavement design policy for Federal-aid highway projects.

Unless otherwise specified in this part, the definitions in 23 U.S.C. 101(a) are applicable to this part. As used in this part:

Pavement design means a project level activity where detailed engineering and economic considerations are given to alternative combinations of subbase, base, and surface materials which will provide adequate load carrying capacity. Factors which are considered include: Materials, traffic, climate, maintenance, drainage, and life-cycle costs.

Pavement shall be designed to accommodate current and predicted traffic needs in a safe, durable, and cost effective manner.