Successful Applications of Alternative Delivery Methods by Highway Agencies to Accelerate Project Delivery

Recent studies indicate that alternative project delivery methods—particularly design-build (DB), progressive design-build (PDB), public-private partnerships (P3s), and progressive P3s—can accelerate project development and delivery. However, adoption across State DOTs remains uneven. Some agencies have strong internal capacity, established procurement practices, and enabling legal frameworks to use these approaches effectively, while others continue to rely primarily on design-bid-build. As a result, many agencies are not realizing the full potential benefits of accelerated delivery. This scan will assess how leading states have implemented alternative delivery models, the policies and laws that enabled their use, and lessons that may be transferable to other DOTs seeking to shorten delivery timelines. Areas of examination include: (1) criteria agencies use to select delivery models for major projects; (2) the role of enabling legislation and institutional frameworks in shaping delivery options; (3) cost and schedule performance comparisons across DB, PDB, P3, and design-bid-build; (4) stakeholder management, institutional considerations, and public communication practices; (5) risk allocation and risk-sharing approaches between public and private partners; and (6) use of innovative financing to improve project viability when paired with alternative delivery. The scan will also examine decision-making processes, including leadership evaluation of delivery options, the influence of institutional and technical considerations, accountability mechanisms, internal capability development, procurement practices, and the integration of lifecycle cost considerations. Barriers to broader adoption—such as limited authority, staffing constraints, and concerns regarding cost overruns and accountability—will also be documented. This scan will identify lessons learned, best practices, and decision frameworks for implementing accelerated delivery models. It will document how selected agencies evaluate delivery options, structure procurements, build internal capacity, and engage stakeholders to support successful outcomes.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=6018
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $250,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 20-68, Scan 26-01

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Irvin, Deborah

• Start Date: 20260316
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Best practices; Decision making; Design build; Financing; Project delivery; Public private partnerships; State departments of transportation
• Subject Areas: Construction; Finance; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01982451
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 20-68, Scan 26-01
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Mar 17 2026 3:10PM