Analysis of Construction Quality Assurance Procedures on Federally Funded Local Public Agency Projects

Approximately 20 percent of the Federal-aid highway program is invested in local public agency (LPA) infrastructure projects, which is a significant portion of total Federal funds allocated to highway construction projects in the United States. In response to previous Federal and State reviews that have found significant weaknesses or inconsistencies in construction quality assurance (QA) practices for LPA projects, this report documents current construction QA practices from both State transportation department and LPA perspectives, identifies specific issues or areas of weakness in QA practices, identifies existing successful QA practices, and makes recommendations that can be implemented to generally improve construction QA across the full spectrum of LPA projects and State transportation department programs. Recognizing that there are significant differences in LPA capabilities and project types, the recommendations consider both large and small LPAs, and differences among State transportation department programs. The recommendations applicable to all project types and programs include better communication among project partners through stakeholder meetings, QA training, and statewide LPA guidelines and manuals focusing on construction QA. For larger LPAs with more capabilities, LPA-tailored specifications and standards, LPA certification, and the use a risk-based or tiered system of construction QA based on project purpose and type are recommended. For smaller LPAs with fewer resources, continued State transportation department oversight and independent assurance and the use of qualified consultants for construction QA are recommended.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/15008/15008.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/35621
• Corporate Authors:

  Hill International, Incorporated

  Philadelphia, PA  United States 

  Federal Highway Administration

  Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Konrath, Linda Karen
  • McCarthy, Leslie Ann
  • Scott, Sidney
• Publication Date: 2016-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Bibliography; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 218p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Best practices; Construction projects; Federal aid highways; Local government agencies; Quality assurance; Recommendations; State departments of transportation
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Construction; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01608724
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-HRT-15-008
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-12-C-00028
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 29 2016 11:11AM