Administering Change Orders in Highway Projects
Publication: Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction
Volume 14, Issue 2
Abstract
Change orders continue to be one of the main challenges faced by the construction industry. Despite many previous research efforts related to managing change orders in the construction industry, there is still a lack of research that investigates the contractual aspects of change orders for transportation projects. This paper tackles this knowledge gap within the context of Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) highway projects. To this end, the authors used an integrated research method comprised of (1) selection and analysis of ODOT case studies; (2) identification of the main change orders aspects that lead to conflicts, claims, and/or disputes in the considered case studies; and (3) analysis of the contractual provisions and procedures related to change orders on ODOT projects. The authors consulted throughout all the research steps with ODOT experts for verification and validation. Through the analysis of 10 ODOT case studies, results show that the major contractual challenges related to change orders on ODOT projects are caused by definition terms and their associated processes, approvals according to the contractual provisions, and approvals in light of the applicable laws. Accordingly, this paper identifies (1) a list of opportunities and risks, and (2) a series of checklist questions. These research outcomes shall help project parties in identifying the contract terms that can lead to improper handling of change orders, and thus facilitate better managing of change orders on ODOT projects. Ultimately, this research adds to the body of knowledge by providing contractual guidelines to facilitate a better administration of the contractual procedures of change orders for a timely and cost-effective execution of highway transportation projects.
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Data Availability Statement
All data used and/or generated during this study are included in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Mr. Gary Angles, Mr. Clint Bishop, and Ms. Merka Flynn from the Office of Construction Administration at the Ohio Department of Transportation for their help and support for this study in terms of providing input in verifying reasons for change orders, the list and details of case studies used in the paper, and ultimately validating research outcomes.
References
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Tony Zumbo and Son Construction Co. (TZSC) v. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) (1984). No. 83AP-823 (Court of Appeals of Ohio, Franklin County).
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Published In
Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction
Volume 14 • Issue 2 • May 2022
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 28, 2020
Accepted: Nov 2, 2021
Published online: Dec 28, 2021
Published in print: May 1, 2022
Discussion open until: May 28, 2022
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