The results of an investigation to analyse and evaluate a plan quality evaluation form that was developed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are presented. Forty projects were selected by WisDOT to be used in testing the effectiveness of the evaluation form. Second, a questionnaire survey of the state departments of transportation (DOTs) in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico was conducted. The survey provided information about procedures used in other states to evaluate the quality of highway plans. A large number of state DOTs have procedures for evaluating the quality of project plans and specifications. Third, interviews were conducted with the prime contractors and designers of the 40 projects that were selected for the test of the form. The results obtained from the prime contractor interviews were similar to the comments received from the test of the evaluation form. Finally, alternatives to accomplish plan quality evaluation were developed and analysed for possible effectiveness. The alternatives that were developed were to: (a) do nothing; (b) use narrative project critiques, or (c) use an evaluation form. The researchers recommended that WisDOT develop a new evaluation form based on the forms used by other state DOTs.This form could be used in a post construction meeting between representatives of the designer, prime contractor, FHWA, and WisDOT, if found necessary. The researchers further recommended that an evaluation not be performed for every project and presented guidelines that can be used to determine the selection of a project for evaluation.
Samenvatting