00641417

Component

http://onlinepubs.trb.org...trr/1993/1409/1409-002.pdf

https://scholar.google.co...ones&publication_year=1993

For many years there has been an ongoing debate between the private and public sectors as to which entity can accomplish highway construction or maintenance work of better quality at lower cost. In 1985 the Washington State legislature commissioned a study to better understand the differences and develop cost comparisons. The initial study objectives were to review existing roadway accounting and cost practices, develop a new methodology for comparing public and private contractor costs on a project-by-project basis, and recommend changes in laws and regulations. The Project Cost Evaluation Methodology (PCEM) was developed as a process that organizes cost-estimating data, puts projects out for private- and public-sector bids, documents award decisions, captures actual costs for comparison, and reports results so that comparisons can be made on a project-by-project basis. The Washington State Department of Transportation participated in a 3-year test of the methodology in which both construction and maintenance projects were put through the PCEM process. The results of the maintenance element of study have demonstrated that there is more potential for savings if more flexibility were available. The testing of the PCEM process has demonstrated that there is no clear-cut final answer to the question of whether the public or the private sector can accomplish work at lower cost. PCEM has demonstrated the need to evaluate projects individually when change from current practice is contemplated.

This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1409, Maintenance Management, Traffic Safety, and Roadsides. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

01403253

English

p. 12-19

1993

Transportation Research Record

0309055563

Figures (6) ; References (2)

Alternatives analysis; Cost effectiveness; Costs; Governments; Highway maintenance; Methodology; Private enterprise; Project management; Road construction; State departments of transportation

Projects

Washington (State)

Administration and Management; Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I10: Economics and Administration; I60: Maintenance

TRIS, TRB

Jan 24 1994 12:00AM

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