Transportation Infrastructure: Managing the Costs of Large-Dollar Highway Projects
RCED-97-47
Published: Feb 28, 1997. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 1997.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Federal Highway Administration's (FHwA) oversight of large-dollar highway projects, focusing on: (1) whether large-dollar highway projects experience cost growth; (2) how FHwA approves large-dollar projects and agrees to their costs; and (3) how FHwA ensures that project costs are controlled and that federal funds are efficiently used.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | To enhance states' ability to manage costs on large-dollar highway projects, the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FHwA, to work with states to evaluate and disseminate information on best state practices concerning cost management to all states. |
Closed – Implemented
FHwA has initiated a number of actions designed to increase its oversight of large federal highway projects and identify best management and construction practices throughout the country. FHwA has also taken steps, through conferences and other means, to disseminate information on best state practices to other projects who could benefit from these experiences. For example, many of the cost control measures used in the Boston Central Artery project have been conveyed to Utah, which is initiating a large federal highway project in preparation for the 2002 Olympics.
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Topics
BridgesCost controlCost effectiveness analysisEnvironmental impact statementsFederal aid for highwaysHighway planningIntergovernmental fiscal relationsPublic roads or highwaysRoad constructionState-administered programsTransportation planning