Administration pushes state roads projects through design-build

Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced that the Virginia Department of Transportation is using design-build procurement methods to accelerate the delivery of several projects made possible through the governor’s transportation funding package which was adopted by the 2011 General Assembly, and other federal dollars.

The design-build procurement method streamlines project delivery by placing responsibility for the design and construction of a project on a single entity. The design-build team constructs the project while design is still under way, greatly reducing the overall time necessary for completion of the project.

The design-build procurement method enables VDOT to award contracts quicker, thereby expediting the construction process. Design-build contracts, ultimately, result in faster delivery of projects and cost savings to the commonwealth.

“We are dedicated to maximizing every dollar of the transportation funding package and other federal funds to create jobs and develop projects that continue to improve Virginia’s transportation infrastructure,” said Governor McDonnell. “For too long, Virginians have endured traffic snarls and transportation delays. By using design-build to speed our nearly $4 billion transportation investment to construction, Virginians will be able to experience transportation relief faster and we will create transportation industry jobs during this difficult economy.”

The following design-build projects have been or will be released before December 2011:

·         Route 29 Western Bypass: This project is in the Culpeper District and will build a new 6.2-mile, four-lane, limited-access roadway stretching from Route 29 just north of the South Fork Rivanna River to the Route 29/250 Bypass. The project includes interchanges at both termini to move traffic between Route 29 north and Route 29/250 west of Charlottesville. This project was advertised on Sept. 27, 2011, and has an estimated value of $244.5 million.

·         Interstate 581/Valley View Interchange Phase II: This project is in the Salem District and includes the design and construction and overall project management at the interchange of Valley View Boulevard and Interstate 581 in the city of Roanoke. This project was advertised on Oct. 11, 2011, and has an estimated value of $63.9 million.

·         Interstate 66 Active Traffic Management: This project is in the Northern Virginia District and is designed to improve traffic operations along a 32-mile segment of I-66 from the District of Columbia and Virginia border in Arlington to U.S. 29 (Lee Highway) in Gainesville. This project was advertised on Oct. 25, 2011, and has an estimated value of $33.8 million.

·         Interstate 64 Exit 91 Interchange Improvements: The project is in the Staunton District and is located at the Interstate 64 Exit 91 interchange with Route 285 (Tinkling Spring Road) in Augusta County and includes interstates and bridge improvements. This project was advertised on Nov. 3, 2011, and has an estimated value of $43.7 million.

·         Interstate 64 Zion Crossroads Interchange Improvement: This project is in the Culpeper District and will improve the I-64 interchange on Route 15 at Zion Crossroads (Exit 136) in Louisa County. The project intends to increase the capacity of the I-64 off-ramps at the Route 15 interchange, improving safety and relieving congestion. This project is scheduled to be advertised in Dec. 2011, and has an estimated value of $8.8 million.

VDOT is working to release the following design-build projects in 2012:

·         Interstate 66 Widening to Route 15: This project is in the Northern Virginia District and is valued at $78.1 million.

·         Interstate 64 Widening and Improvements to Route 623 Interchange: This project is in the Richmond District and is valued at $35.8 million.

·         Interstate 395 HOV Ramp at Seminary Road: This project is in the Northern Virginia District and is valued at $80 million.

·         Virginia Capital Trail Charles City County and New Market Heights Trail: This project is in the Richmond District and is valued at $11.9 million.

·         Route 5 Virginia Capital Trail Varina Phase: This project is in the Richmond District and is valued at $9.5 million.

For more information on design-build projects, visit

http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/business/design-build.asp