I-295 Fayetteville Outer Loop

When the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) needed to accommodate future I-95 work, the agency used Progressive Design-Build (PDB) principles, and an open-book supplemental agreement to incorporate that scope into the active I-295 Fayetteville Outer Loop project. This approach avoided building portions of the original project only to later be forced to demolish and reconstruct them, saving both time and millions of dollars. The 5.73 mile, four-lane divided roadway is the next-to-last segment of a new freeway loop around Fayetteville that connects Fort Bragg to the commercially critical I-95 corridor.

Progressive Design-Build Shines

Integrating the I-95 widening into the I-295 project required significant federal support, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Branch and the use of PDB. The expanded scope was incorporated through a change order using PDB procurement, a strategy that was supported by a relationship that had been built over the past 18 years between Balfour Beatty and Branch.  

The same joint venture had previously completed an NCDOT project on time and under budget, giving the department confidence that the team could deliver the expanded scope while achieving the desired significant cost and schedule savings.

The design-build team also used several innovative construction techniques, including a conveyor to move borrow material over the interstate. This eliminated approximately 140,000 on-road truck trips from local streets, significantly reducing traffic disruptions, improving safety for motorists and residents alike and lowering emissions associated with heavy truck traffic. The project also added roundabouts at five intersections, improving functionality and safety while minimizing conflict points. Design refinements reduced right-of-way needs by 97 acres and avoided nine property relocations, which helped preserve neighborhoods and maintain local access.

The I-295 Fayetteville Outer Loop project used PDB in a manner that accelerated public benefits and maximized the value of taxpayer investment.

Design-Build Team

Photos

Photo Credits: Balfour Beatty Drone, Balfour Beatty Personnel