Members of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor (BSBC) Project team have selected a design and construction process that will create a partnership between the designer, contractor, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to fulfill the $3.6 billion project’s mission.
The process is called progressive design-build. Under this approach, a single entity is selected to design and construct the project based on qualifications rather than price. The entity and the owner collaborate on innovation to finalize the design. They then work together to decide which party can best handle certain aspects of financial risk before a final price is determined. The process is intended to better address project goals while also keeping the project on time and within budget.
As the design progresses, the design-build team will consult with and obtain approvals from the project team at predetermined points throughout the process. The design-build team will also coordinate with KYTC and ODOT on financial risk responsibility and produce forecasts for the total cost of the project at regular intervals during this phase.
Under this process, the design-build team can price materials closer to when they actually will be used for construction. If cost estimates exceed budget expectations, the project team can work with the design team to revise the design accordingly. Once the design has reached a level of detail where all the financial risks have been identified and prices can be determined, the design-build and project team will then negotiate a guaranteed maximum price.
By working collaboratively and closely with the design-build team early and often throughout the progressive design-build process, the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project team can exert control over the design, cost, and timeline.
