Because of the numerous problems that the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvement has had, which have now created a $100 M cost overrun and a year-long delay, people are beginning to question the use of design-build for major highway projects. Article focuses on extensive utility relocation, highlighting that the contractor had no knowledge of how many utility lines and storm-drains would need to be dealt with. Along with providing additional details on other issues that have delayed the project, and on who will bear the responsibility for these problems, article goes on to highlight that the most important lesson that LA Metro should learn from this experience is: “a pure design-build approach does not work well on big, challenging project. These projects need more time upfront for engineering and preliminary design work.”
