Innovative techniques to facilitate the construction of a fast track highway project are described. The techniques include extensive construction traffic sequencing, special specifications, and a customised critical path method scheduling system. Explanations of the methodology used to implement these items and the thought behind them are provided. Their application has been difficult at times, but is proving to be exceptionally successful. The Southwest Freeway/HOV Lane project, located in Houston, is the single largest reconstruction project ever attempted at one time in the state of Texas. Construction began in August 1989 and is scheduled to be complete in December 1992, a 40-month duration. The project encompasses 10.6 mi of the heaviest travelled roadway in the state; average daily vehicle volume exceeds 250,000. The estimated cost for this reconstruction is $200million. A description is given of how the system came about. It covers the original goals and how the sequencing was laid out. Also covered are the hardware and software that were selected to help accomplish these goals. Customisations that were made to the scheduling software are described in detail. Preparation of the pre-construction schedules that provided information used in the specifications is also covered. The utilisation of the system is also described. The organisation of the project, the staff necessary to implement this system, and the details of utilising such a comprehensive scheduling/management tool are covered. Examples of how the system is used to manage the work and prevent time delays are included. As of October 1991, the project was approximately 70 percent complete and 3 months ahead of schedule
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