DRB Enhanced Partnering on the Marquette Interchange: Case Study

Abstract

Completion of the Marquette Interchange Reconstruction project by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) under budget, ahead of schedule, and with no construction claims at the end of construction was a significant achievement and details of how it was accomplished provide valuable lessons for other public works projects. A standing Dispute Review Board (DRB) ensured that disputes did not linger and affect working relationships, use of partnering ensured effective communication between WisDOT and the contractor, and combining the two by having the DRB chair as an active participant in the partnering effort were identified as being vital to the success of the Core project. This paper describes the contractual establishment of the DRB, the formation and operation of the panel throughout the duration of the project, details of partnering participation requirements and utilization, and then identifies how the two programs were linked by mutual agreement between WisDOT and the prime contractor and worked jointly.