Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
should undergo full environmental reviews and be labeled “major,” while a
larger and more expensive overpass on an established highway alignment
in a paved-over setting would perhaps (there are other considerations) be
exempted from environmental review.
Viewing the delivery of a major project, most observers will have simi-
lar reactions: it takes a very long time. A remarkably large portion of the
effort (time and expense) goes into scoping, preliminary design, and environ-
mental review stages. Projects are prone to cost overruns. Yet this painstak-
ing attention to process has brought the United States many advantages.
Table 10.1. Stages in a Major Public Projects in the United States
Infrastructure Type (new build,
expansion, or replacement)
Bridge
Highway
% of
% of
Project
Project
Stage
Conclusion of the Stage
Years
Cost
Cost
1. Initiation
Acceptance of proposal
n.a.
(to begin scoping)
2. Scoping
Listing of project on state
Transportation Improvement
1-2
10.6*
18.2*
Program
3. Basic Design
Final Design Report and
2-10
& Environ.
Final EIS; Record of Decision
Review
4. Detailed
Plans, Specifications &
2-3
6.7**
6.7**
Design &
Estimates (PS&E), rights-
1.3***
3.4***
Agreements
of-way, utility relocations,
permits
5. Bidding &
Execution of contract
0.5
0.1
0.1
Contracting
6. Construction
Completion and approval of
2-5
81.3
71.6
project
Totals
7.5-
100.0
100.0
20.5
Sources:
Oregon Department of Transportation and specific NYS DoT projects. Cost data
courtesy of Oregon DoT, provided courtesy of Bruce V. Johnson, P.E.
*Overall planning & design, not including detailed engineering design
**Construction engineering (detailed design)
***RoW and utility relocation
