Using Safety Contingency Funding to Address Unforeseen Safety Needs During Construction in Texas — Factsheet

Change orders are a mechanism used to address unforeseen conditions that arise during construction. Unfortunately, when unexpected traffic safety concerns are identified during the project, the time required for processing and approving a change order may impede efforts to address the safety problems quickly and efficiently. By developing a safety contingency line item as part of the project estimate phase, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) can address and mitigate numerous challenges during active operations. As a result, the State has seen a significant positive impact in its ability to address infrastructure and roadside safety concerns in and around its work zones.