2020 Ƶ Project Achievement Award
Transportation: Construction value less than $10 Million
Rehabilitation of Four Housatonic Railroad Bridges
Owner: Connecticut Department of Transportation | CM: AI Engineers
The CM's innovative approach to Construction Management allowed for on-schedule and on-budget replacement of 4 Housatonic Railroad Bridges in Kent, CT especially during a 9-day closure period. The following is a summary of key opportunities where AI’s innovative approach led to successful outcomes:
During the project, the subcontractor’s availability precluded the ability to perform jacking of a 72” RC Pipe at Site 1. To ensure completion, AI proposed an open-cut alternative to install the pipe and continue without disruption to the construction schedule. This work was to be completed within the already-planned long-term, 9-day railroad closure period. Even so, the AI team recognized additional risk to the Housatonic Railroad posed by this alternative, in addition to unknown underground obstructions and rock excavation.
To mitigate the risk from the owner’s perspective, AI negotiated with the contractor to assign all work at Site 1 to be included as an all-inclusive, lump sum. In addition to shifting risk related to completing the work, AI negotiated a $50,000 credit to the owner provided by the contractor with assurance that any unforeseen issues would be completed at no additional cost or time to the Department. This revised scope of work was completed during the Long Term, 9-Day Closure period along with work at Sites 2 and 4, as originally intended at the time of bid. The contractor and CM team worked together to develop and review an hourly and resource loaded schedule to ensure production rates, contingencies, and resources were properly allotted to ensure the work would be completed within the Closure period.
The CM team also balanced its work schedule to accommodate 12-hour/daily regular and 24-hour/daily construction operations during Closure periods, with minimal overtime burden. Two CM supervisors were assigned to the Project and coordinated to ensure coverage and decision-making capabilities were provided throughout all operations.
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