Colorado T-REX Project (TRansportation EXpansion) - Success Metrics

Success Metrics

Design-build allowed for flexibility and creativity in support of the project goals, which were in line with the original "Partnering Agreement":

• Minimize inconvenience to the public
• Stay within the project's $1.67 billion budget
• Design and construct a quality project
• Complete the project on or before June 2008* (actual end date was Dec 2006, 22 months early)

T-Rex officials put community first, by no accident. While cost, schedule and quality are all very important they are meaningless if the project brings the metro area to its knees. There's no denying that construction activity affects traffic, but contractors were held accountable for doing their best to make it as painless as possible. This meant that the project was regularly worked on during off hours between 9pm and 5am. But the aggressive approach to the project schedule meant it was finished 22 months ahead of the original schedule.

Perhaps because of CDOT's extensive public involvement efforts, the public was generally in favor of the project. There was, however, some opposition from property owners who opposed the outright taking of, or encroachment onto their property, but relocation experts helped residents and businesses move. No one had to move until they found comparable replacement housing. Public input did result in minor changes to the project, including light rail alignment and station locations. Political support may also have been a factor in the expediting of the project. Colorado Governor Roy Romer supported the project from the outset, and there was local political support for light rail. However, some local politicians and special interest groups were against the highway.