The Use and Performance of Alternative Contracting Methods on Small Highway Construction Projects

Abstract

Highway agencies choose alternative project delivery methods to save time and control costs. Large, high-profile, design-build and construction manager/general contractor projects give the impression that alternative project delivery methods are only applicable to larger, more complex projects. This research reports on a sample of 291 US highway projects, more than half of which are under $20 million in final cost. The study provides empirical evidence of how alternative project delivery methods relate to small project successes, specifically design-build successes. The data for this study includes design-bid-build, design-build, and construction manager/general contractor highway projects completed between 2004 and 2015. The results are useful for governmental agencies, suggesting time savings may be achieved on small projects through the use of alternative contracting methods with no negative impacts on cost growth.