Key implementation issues and lessons learned with design-build projects

Public agencies across the country are pursuing the design-build (DB) project delivery method to improve cycle-time performance on projects, and numerous transportation departments are currently using DB for highway construction. This paper outlines the findings of two studies of design-build projects for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The first of these studies included the development of a DB implementation guide for TxDOT and related key implementation issues needed to perform DB on transportation projects. The second involves an on-going investigation into lessons-learned during planning, procurement and execution phases of the State Highway 130 (SHI30) project currently underway in Central Texas. The SHI30 project is a 49 mile-long toll road being constructed under a Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA). The project includes design, construction, and maintenance of a four-lane expressway within the specified corridor with a cost of approximately $1.3 billion and a scheduled completion date in 2007—the first DB project and the largest single highway project undertaken by TxDOT. This paper outlines critical success factors of design-build transportation projects for TxDOT, as well as early lessons-learned on the SHI30 project with particular attention given to enabling management issues, contract management, right of way and utility relocation issues, and critical relationship factors.