Many projects have missed valuable construction seasons or optimal bidding opportunities due to issues that should have been resolved during the preliminary design phase of a project.

Inadequate investigative efforts during the feasibility phase of a project can result in delays, substantial cost increases, or even the cancellation of a project after considerable amounts of time and effort have been expended.

Issues that frequently delay or add significantly to the cost of a project include:

Federally regulated wetlands. A review of the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps is not sufficient to determine whether federal wetlands exist on the project site. NWI maps were prepared from aerial photographs and many wetlands were missed. A field walkover by a biologist and soils scientist is prudent on all projects, even on what appears to be uplands, to identify unmapped wetlands.

Traffic impacts. Strip development and increased traffic volumes have slowly eroded the available capacity of highways. A curb cut or added highway capacity may not be permittable, or may be cost prohibitive. Early analysis of highway capacity and coordination with permitting agencies is essential.

Archaeological or historically sensitive areas. Buildings of historical significance, and even those eligible for this designation, can cause delays while government agencies conduct reviews. An archaeological site located within one-mile of your project may require time-consuming studies for a project as simple as water main replacement. Agency coordination in the initial stages of a project can resolve these issues.

Noise. Bringing noise-generating vehicles closer to residences or other noise-sensitive land uses may provide the public an opportunity to delay a locally unpopular capacity improvement project. Identify noise-sensitive locations, prepare noise studies and identify appropriate mitigation or explain why mitigation is not feasible.

Public opinion. Late identification of public concerns and quality of life issues provides the potential for added expense and delays. Identify and fully understand all public relations issues before progressing beyond the study phase of your project.

A comprehensive design analysis during the investigative phase of a project can identify potential showstopper issues before final design activities are initiated, when they can still be dealt with cost effectively. Allotting sufficient funds ensures that potential showstoppers are addressed with the needed resources to minimize unnecessary redesigns and delays later in the project.