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Transportation Infrastructure: Cost and Oversight Issues on Major Highway and Bridge Projects

GAO-02-702T Published: May 01, 2002. Publicly Released: May 01, 2002.
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Highlights

GAO found problems with the costs and oversight of major highway and bridge projects because cost containment was not an explicit statutory or regulatory goal. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) did little to ensure that cost contentment was an integral part of the states' project management. The Department of Transportation's (DOT) Office of Inspector General and reviews by state audit and evaluation agencies have also shown that escalating costs and mismanagement of major projects continue to be a problem. FHWA and DOT have undertaken several efforts since 1997 to improve the management and oversight of major highway and bridge projects. Should Congress decide to address cost growth and oversight of major highway and bridge projects, GAO's past reviews have presented options, including measures to improve the quality of initial baseline estimates and to track progress over the life of projects.

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BridgesCost controlHighway planningHighway safetyInternal controlsRoad constructionTransportation safetyPublic roads or highwaysConstructionCost estimates