What is Alternative Contracting – Design Build?
MDT uses multiple construction project delivery methods. The most common type is Design-Bid-Build (DBB), where a project is completely designed before it goes out to bid and then constructed. In this case, due to the emergency nature of the project, MDT utilized Design-Build (DB) delivery. This contracting method allows the project to be broken up into multiple components. As soon as design is completed on one component the construction can begin, with design simultaneously starting on the next component, and so forth until the project is completed. This method allows a project to be completed much sooner than a traditional DBB project.
Reports say this project was meant to be $5.9 million and now it is closer to $30 million, is this true?
On June 23, 2022, shortly after the floods, and before damage was completely assessed, MDT staff reported to the Transportation Commission that this emergency project could cost $30 million. Transportation Commission - Agendas & Minutes 2022 | Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)
With the extent of infrastructure damage around the area unknown due to the continued spring runoff, MDT scoped the original DB project for the first component, the Broadway Avenue work in downtown Red Lodge. The Request for Qualifications stated that additional repair work was also required and the price for each component would be negotiated when its design was completed. Component 1 was approved for $5.9 million. Each subsequent component was reviewed when the design was completed, and those components became part of the construction project. This project has 8 components. The project is on track to be completed at around $31 million, which is in-line with the preliminary estimate of $30 million.
How do you make sure contractors don’t overcharge or do extra work when a total project amount isn’t in the contract?
MDT hired an Independent Cost Estimator to review cost proposals submitted by the contractor. The Independent Cost Estimator reviews wage rates, overhead costs, production rates, equipment rates, etc. to ensure MDT is paying a fair price for the project. MDT also relies on a historical bid price database to negotiate pricing.
Why is this still considered an emergency repair project when the flood was three years ago?
Federal Emergency Funds were allocated for the flood damage in 2022 under Governor Gianforte’s Emergency Declaration. The most critical components of the project that threatened the immediate safety of the travelling public were prioritized and built first. The work that is currently taking place is still in response to the floods that occurred in 2022 and considered to be part of the emergency work. Not completing the project could have adverse effects on the travelling public in the future.
Why are you doing stream bank work on the Beartooth Highway where the road has already been relocated?
The Beartooth Highway work was split into two components. Component 7 included the relocation of the road away from Rock Creek and was seen as the most critical action needed to ensure the safety of the travelling public. A Geotechnical Analysis of the existing slope showed risk of failure to the area where the existing road was located. Component 8 included slope flattening and instream work. Environmental regulations required coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP), and the US Forest Service. While this lengthy environmental permitting process was underway for slope and stream work, construction to relocate the roadway (Component 7) was completed.
The relocated Beartooth Highway looks far enough away from the creek, so why does the slope need to be flattened?
MDT follows federal guidelines that require construction of a stable roadway and roadway slope for the design life of the project. Moving the roadway was the first step to ensure stability, and this summer the work must be completed to get the roadway slope to a stable configuration. Additionally, a stream migration study showed material loss at spring runoff events at the toe (bottom) of the existing vertical slope. If not addressed, it is anticipated the vertical slope would continue to migrate towards the highway due to continued material loss, which could lead to slope and road failure.
How can the public trust MDT’s project information is correct and not flawed?
All submittals from the DB Firm for work proposed under this contract is reviewed and scrutinized by a multidisciplinary group of MDT reviewers to ensure accuracy and accountability. All project information can be available to the public by submitting a public information request at opir.mt.gov.
What level of environmental review has been conducted on the components of this project?
A Categorical Exclusion was completed for all components of the project. In developing a Categorical Exclusion to comply with State and Federal regulations, all supporting and necessary documents for the Categorical Exclusions have been completed.
Will your work on the Beartooth Highway cause harm to fish in Rock Creek?
The work on Beartooth Highway is not anticipated to adversely affect fish in Rock Creek. MDT has been engaged in discussions with Montana FWP since 2023 to develop a design that is habitat friendly for fish. MDT will follow instream work restrictions developed by Montana FWP to protect the spring trout spawn. In addition, erosion control measures will be installed to minimize turbidity in Rock Creek caused by construction activities. A Stream Restoration Specialist is required to be on site during all instream work.
How have you been informing the public about this project?
A variety of outreach was conducted in the affected areas to inform stakeholders about the project. This included flyers, door hangers, post cards, and canvassing businesses. A hotline and email were established to answer questions and address concerns. Newsletters were emailed those who subscribed to the list, and most of these newsletters were shared on the website: City of Red Lodge, Montana - Google Groups. Coordination was conducted with local governments and emergency service providers. Material was shared with local governments to post on their social media. Local news outlets, such as the Carbon County News, were used to publish information. A public meeting was held in Red Lodge on Jan. 5, 2023.
Will traffic be disrupted in Red Lodge this summer?
No. Construction trucks will not travel through downtown and instead will be routed past on an alternate route. MDT expects there will be 8-12 trucks trips a day during the month of May when dump trucks will be hauling material away from the Beartooth Highway. The material hauling is anticipated to be completed by Memorial Day 2025.