Results of a Groundbreaking Integrated Delivery Project: Multi-Stakeholder Assessments and Lessons Learned from the Waaban Crossing Bridge

The Waaban Crossing bridge project located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, was delivered with an integrated project delivery (IPD) approach. In 2020, it was recorded that this project was the first major public infrastructure project in North America to be contracted with a tri-party agreement and managed through an IPD approach. The project stakeholders selected an IPD for various and differing reasons, including risk reduction, collaborative decision making, and fiscal transparency. As the project was completed in December 2022, project stakeholders can reflect on the outcomes and lessons learned. Online surveys and semi-structured interviews of project stakeholders surface hits and misses for the project. Project participants’ answers are revealed and documented to determine the extent to which initial goals and objectives for the project were realized. Data are collected individually, so that the unique perspectives of owner, designer, prime contractor, and specialty contractor are contrasted. The project was reported a success by all stakeholders, yet fundamental business drivers that can put entities at odds with one another were present. The findings can inform planners of IPD projects on how to manage project delivery and to structure financial incentives that address the business needs of all key stakeholders.