Assessing State Transportation Agency Constructability Implementation

Abstract

Although guidance is available for state transportation agencies to establish constructability review processes (CRPs), nationwide implementation has been slow due, in part, to a lack of clarity regarding related costs and benefits and a perception that CRPs are resource intensive. This study funded by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program reveals that while numerous states have attempted implementation in various forms, obstacles have frequently either hindered or halted progress. Four elements appear to be essential for the successful implementation and continuance of a CRP: (1) institutionalization of the CRP Champion, (2) an emphasis on a quality-driven as opposed to a schedule-driven design process, (3) clear yet flexible guidelines for executing constructability reviews across the broad range of project types and sizes, and (4) a vehicle for meaningful expert input from construction contracting professionals. A benefit-cost model, founded on the proposition that CRP implementation provides efficiencies that result in significant cost and schedule reductions, is demonstrated using case studies. A need for more precise identification of costs and quantification of benefits is noted.