Delivery Methods for Accelerated Bridge Construction Projects: Case Studies and Consensus Building [ABC-UTC-2016-C1-ISU01]

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is a solution for upgrading substandard bridges that reduces construction and closure times and minimizes exposure of the traveling public and road workers to construction activities. To take full advantage of the benefits of ABC, agencies should decide which projects are appropriate for ABC and which procurement and project delivery methods to use. The research team compiled information on decision matrices for identifying ABC projects, alternative delivery methods, and the procurement methods used for ABC projects. Four ABC projects in three states (Georgia, Indiana, and Minnesota) were then investigated in detail. Note that this project coincides with a partner project that contained similar information collection efforts for bidding of ABC projects (Bidding of Accelerated Bridge Construction Projects: Case Studies and Consensus Building [ABCUTC-2016-C1-ISU02]). The research team reached out to personnel involved in the projects to discuss bid items, contracting methods, and lessons learned. The results of this effort are also included in four standalone case study summaries. The case studies suggest that ABC can be successfully implemented using any of the delivery methods explored in this study: design-build, design-bid-build, or construction manager/general contractor. Regardless of the project delivery method, communication and collaboration between the contractor and agency results in a better project outcome. Effective communication with the public is also important during ABC projects and can be done by either the agency or the contractor. After a project is completed, the agency can benefit from reviewing the lessons learned and successful aspects of the project and applying these to future projects. Final Presentation https://youtu.be/f6OKcQTHE_I