Evaluating the Delivery and Oversight of State-Funded Local Bridge Projects

Abstract

State-funded local bridge projects face several challenges including but not limited to constrained budgets, increasing burden from state departments of transportation (DOT) staff, and the lack of expertise of some local personnel. By streamlining the delivery and oversight of state-funded projects through delegation, a collaborative and proactive approach can be achieved, ensuring the successful maintenance and development of local low-risk bridges, which are not on the National Highway System and have minimal to no environmental, right of way, utility, or railroad impacts. This paper offers a practical approach to evaluating programs focused on progressing project delivery by delegating specific tasks and responsibilities to local governments. Taken as a study case, Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s low-risk bridge pilot program was evaluated using both a quantitative methodology: data analysis using a data-driven statistical approach involving analysis of pilot and control group data, and an evaluation of the performance metrics developed by the state DOT; and a qualitative approach: a survey of local sponsors and stakeholders about the pilot project. The survey corroborated the findings derived from the data analysis: improved performance in project cost and schedule for pilot projects, highlighting consistency and reliability in the evaluation process. The integration of both methodologies resulted in valuable insights and experiences, providing valuable guidance to other states conducting similar program evaluations.