The first design-build highway project in Missouri has received the go-ahead.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved The New I-64 project as the first design-build project in the state. The contractor should be selected in September 2006, and construction could start soon after.
Design-build is a project delivery method that combines both the design and construction phases into one contract. This one-contract team completes the design and construction at the same time, instead of in succession, which saves time and resources. In 2002, the Missouri legislature approved the use of design-build on three MoDOT projects.
“The benefit of design-build is that the contractor team can maximize its efficiencies. We provide the contractor with the flexibility to be innovative in design and construction techniques, giving them the predetermined budget for the project and completion date,” said Dave Nichols, MoDOT director of Program Delivery. “The end result is the public benefits from the road improvements much quicker than our normal delivery process.”
MoDOT has established design-build goals for the project. The contractor team will be selected based on value and who can best meet or beat the following goals:
- Deliver the project within the program budget of $535 million.
- Complete the project no later than Oct. 1, 2010.
- Maximize the mobility and capacity improvements in the corridor when construction is complete.
- Minimize and mitigate construction impacts to customers through construction staging and communication efforts.
- Provide a quality product that produces a long lasting transportation facility.
- Demonstrate a quality construction and communication effort that creates a new model for design-build projects.
The project is funded at $535 million, of which $35 million has already been spent on property acquisition, environmental items and engineering. In July, the Federal Highway Administration approved the Environmental Impact Statement. The combination of the federal approvals and full funding means the project is clear to move ahead.
“The reconstruction of I-64 is so critical to the heart of the region,” said St. Louis Area District Engineer Ed Hassinger. “The old design of the highway adds to the daily congestion and the crumbling condition of the bridges and pavement are in desperate need of replacement. Our goal now is to finalize the plans to build this project as quickly as possible and with great value to the public.”
During November, MoDOT will issue the Request for Qualifications and hold an industry informational meeting. A request for proposals should be issued in late December with the final RFP in the spring. The contractor team should be selected in September 2006.
