Project Development Methodologies for Reconstruction of Urban Freeways and Expressways: A Synthesis of Highway Practice

This synthesis presents a review of the current practices associated with the techniques and policies employed by state and local transportation agencies to address the many project development issues required for the reconstruction of existing urban and suburban freeways and expressways. This topic is of special interest because there is a need to reconstruct many highway facilities that have been in existence for over 40 years. The need arises both from the deterioration of the infrastructure and from changes in capacity requirements. This synthesis will be of interest to state and local highway design engineers, traffic engineers, finance and contracting specialists, and contracting personnel in these agencies. It will also be of interest to consultants who are engaged in freeway/expressway reconstruction projects. While many of the project development methodologies in practice for reconstruction of urban and suburban freeways and expressways are similar to those used for new construction, there are unique differences that apply primarily to the reconstruction of major urban highway facilities. This report of the Transportation Research Board highlights the similarities and differences in the planning and management of projects as well as in contracting and financing innovations. Methods for effectively managing traffic during the reconstruction process are important to the process, as are traffic control procedures in the work zone. Public participation and public information dissemination related to traffic changes are vitally important to the effective completion of a reconstruction project. Other aspects, such as the design process, including the use of 3-D and 4-D visualization, pavement renewal procedures, environmental impact mitigation and enhancement activities, that are considered in the process are also addressed.