Construction Management Practices in Canada and Europe

Abstract

Construction management is an essential element of transportation project success, and evolving industry roles are creating changes in conventional U.S. construction management practices. The Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a scanning study of construction management practices used in Canada and Europe for effective project delivery, contract compliance, and quality assurance. The U.S. team observed that the Canadian, European and U.S. transportation communities face similar political, financial, and resource challenges, but Canadian and European agencies have developed construction management systems that promote more collaboration between the public and private sectors and create stronger long-term partnerships. The international agencies are more willing to delegate traditional highway functions to the private sector when cost and schedule benefits are significant. The team's recommendations for possible implementation in the United States include developing risk assessment and allocation techniques, using qualifications in procurement, piloting early contractor involvement, applying alternate bids and designs in procurement, conducting preproposal meetings, and using appropriate alternative payment methods.