Challenge Design-Build Project Delivery Addressed

The key challenge to meeting the project’s goals was logistics. The high volume of bridges to be replaced across such a large geographic area (the average distance between bridges was 11 miles) created challenges not only in coordinating the design process with the overall schedule but also in materials handling and construction scheduling. The design-build model not only reduced the project price but also allowed MoDOT to minimize public inconvenience by accelerating construction and limiting bridge closures to just 42 days, on average — half the time of a normal bridge replacement. KTU’s design and plan standardization, design process optimization, and accelerated bridge construction components allowed KTU to complete the overall project 23 months ahead of the owner’s original schedule and under budget.

Summary

The Safe & Sound Design-Build — MoDOT 554 (MoDOT 554) project was a $503.5 million design-build contract to replace 554 bridges across the state of Missouri. The bridges were located in 111 counties throughout Missouri, across 69,700 square miles and varied from remote, rural areas to sprawling urban cities. The prime contractor was KTU Constructors (KTU), a joint venture of Kiewit Western Co., Traylor Brothers Inc. and United Constructors Inc. Design work was subcontracted to HNTB and the LPA Group — a division of Michael Baker Jr. Corp.).

Design-Build Team

Client/Owner: Missouri Department of Transportation
Design-Builder: Kiewit Infrastructure Co. (The prime contractor is KTU Constructors (KTU), a joint venture of Kiewit Western Co., Traylor Brothers Inc., and United Constructors Inc., with HNTB and Michael Baker International)
General Contractor: Kiewit Infrastructure Co.
Engineers: HNTB, Michael Baker International
Specialty Consultant: FMI Corporation
Other Key Professionals: Traylor Brothers Inc., United Constructors Inc.
Duration of Construction: 42 months
Project Cost: $503,500,000