Goal:

Develop innovative and cost-effective projects, on time and within budget, that use context-sensitive principles, enhance the environment and improve the overall quality of the highway system.

Objective:

Promote Continuing Education in the Highway Industry

Action Plan/Strategy:

• Continually educate the industry in ADA guidelines.
• Disseminate Cost Estimating Guidelines.
• Continually educate the industry on current environmental practices.
• Produce guidelines and train industry in Traffic Barrier Design.
• Educate designers on constructability.
• Apply "Lessons Learned" from previous projects.

Objective:

Promote Innovation in Project Development

Action Plan/Strategy:

• Pilot the use of Consultant Construction Management on SHA projects.
• Continually improve the Design-Build delivery process.
• Pilot "Over the Shoulder Review" for Design-Build projects.
• Promote Environmental Streamlining in Planning & Design.
• Pilot Contractor Performance Incentives.
• Explore methods for accelerating construction of projects.

Current Initiatives for 2010:

1.         Improving the Design Practices of MBE Firms: Subcommittee members are involved in organizing and participating in various initiatives including the MDOT MBE Matchmaking Event on June 16, 2010.

2.         Electronic Bidding: Working with industry to provide education for SHA's Electronic Bidding System.

3.         Context-Sensitive Solutions: Working on Complete Streets Guidelines.

4.         Roadway Safety Audits: Continuing to discuss case studies, benefits and results of RSA's performed in Maryland

5.         "Green" Highway Specifications: Continuing to educate on revisions to the Standard Specifications for Construction and Materials to promote "Green" Construction Practices.

6.         MDE Permits: Subcommittee continues to work with MDE and industry to make the permit process more efficient.

7.         Stormwater Management Act of 2007: Continuing to educate the industry on the requirements of this act and the implementation of Environmental Site Design to the maximum extent practicable.

8.         Design Build: Continuing to work with industry on various processes used by SHA for DB and issues such as Performance Specifications.