Though recent infrastructure investments have provided historic transportation funding across the US, inflation and the rise of construction costs continue to pose significant challenges for local and regional leaders. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, should highway construction costs continue to rise at their current rate, owners may see a 40% reduction in what can be bought with their funds in 2026 as compared to just five years earlier.
By prioritizing strategic planning and bringing a contractors-lens to project design and delivery, the following five innovative techniques, commonly used on collaborative delivery projects, can help reduce costs, mitigate project risks and enhance the overall value of their capital investments:
Future-Proofing Designs
Designing infrastructure that can accommodate anticipated development and expansion is crucial as cities forecast increasing populations and a greater focus on sustainability. Forward-thinking design decisions that are compatible with future growth can help avoid costly modifications at a later time and support long-term economic development through more resilient and adaptable infrastructure. Studying evolving traffic patterns to inform ultimate (vs interim) level of service and considering opportunities to adopt and plan emerging technologies helps deliver long-lasting infrastructure that meets the needs of all roadway users. For example, designing a four-lane facility with the potential to expand to six lanes, considering changes to traffic patterns as development evolves, and accounting for technological advancements that could impact various modes of travel are all examples of future-proofed designs.
Value Engineering
The value engineering process involves evaluating all aspects of the project to identify cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or safety. Tapping into experience with diverse portfolios can help transportation agencies leverage best practices and innovative design concepts from multiple regions and project types. On a recent highway project in Litle Rock, Arkansas, the Burns & McDonnell team proposed the use of a three-cord system for overhead signage system, commonly used in Florida but new to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, to save nearly 20% in material and construction costs while maintaining safety standards.
Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is important to transportation agencies, as constituents have become increasingly concerned with impacts on the environment; government agencies routinely offer large incentives for incorporating green materials and practices into a project’s scope. Sustainable techniques can help with cost efficiency and long-term sustainability goals. Among them: Using permeable pavers that help manage stormwater runoff to stay in MS4 compliance; utilizing vegetation to help detain and filter stormwater, reusing recycled materials like concrete from previous projects; and incorporating durable, low-maintenance materials for native vegetation to help prevent frequent replacements and repairs.
Modular Construction and Efficient Resource Allocation
A game changer for building transportation projects more efficiently, modular construction entails the prefabrication of project components off-site in a controlled environment to significantly reduce on-site construction time and costs, helping build projects more efficiently. Prefabricated drainage and bridge components as well as prefabricated roadway items such as barriers, can be quickly installed, reducing traffic disruptions and schedule risks. This method also enhances safety by minimizing the number of crew members needed on-site and strengthening consistency in the quality of construction.
Strong modular construction capabilities can bring substantial efficiency and cost savings to the project. This allows for more effective resource allocation and scheduling, like installing precast noise wall panels immediately upon delivery. Overall, a modular construction approach can help reduce the complexity of material procurement, labor management and equipment usage.
Maintenance Considerations
Long-term maintenance is a vital aspect of transportation project planning and must be considered early in the design phase. All infrastructure projects should be designed to be durable and safe, but also easy to maintain and repair. This includes providing access points for the maintenance crews and incorporating features that facilitate quick and safe repairs. Other options include designing bridges and drainage systems with accessible inspection points to minimize disruptive maintenance activities or upgrading outdated guardrails to better accommodate modern vehicle designs.
Maximizing value in transportation projects requires a comprehensive approach, and that begins with prioritizing careful planning, innovative construction techniques and a contractor lense approach.
