Design-Build Excellence in Transportation
Despite State of New York’s opposition to design-build, the New York City Department of Transportation has made great strides in promoting and completing design-build projects. Significant projects include the $55 Million reconstruction of the Belt Parkway over Ocean Parkway, the $73 Million Bruckner Expressway, and the $198.7 Million Staten Island Ramps project that includes deck repairs of two ramps, deck replacement of four ramps, and a complete replacement of one ramp at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
One of NYC DOT’s greatest challenges has been familiarizing newly hired staff with the nature of design-build. To overcome this, NYC DOT made it a priority to educate their staff on a weekly basis through seminars that expose them to the changing market issues, legislative issues, and DBIA’s policies. Representatives from NYC DOT regularly participate in DBIA events including conferences and, in turn, they communicate the nature of design-build to other agencies and emphasize that design-build is not a way to circumvent specifications but a delivery method that expedites matters and saves money based on best coordination of consultant-contractor and owner partnership.