IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION
Part of being committed to innovation means our team is constantly evaluating existing processes for improved efficiency. In 2024, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), through their Moving I-4 Forward Program in Central Florida, developed a new contracting process after discussing how to improve previously available design-build processes. (NOTE: Previously available design-build processes included project delivery methods in which a single contract is awarded for design and contractor firms that have teamed together). As the discussion evolved, they found themselves with a question: why not integrate and refine the best aspects of the various types of design-build processes to create something better? An improved design-build process would help FDOT deliver on its commitment to the communities it serves. Expediting the design-build process benefits Floridians because projects can be completed better, faster, and at a lower price.
As the team collaborated, they developed a new process which they named Modified Phased Design-Build (MPDB). This contracting process is the first of its kind in the nation and emphasizes enhanced collaboration with industry partners for expedited project delivery. MPDB remains qualifications-based but a key difference involves selecting multiple firms rather than a single entity, fostering a competitive, best-value pricing environment.
FDOT presented the MPDB process at a roundtable discussion to gather industry feedback, which further shaped the new initiative. The concept was well received and garnered positive response from industry leaders. FDOT continued to refine the MPDB concept to incorporate suggestions on how to further incentivize innovative ideas from design and construction partners.
Such significant changes or initiatives typically require years to implement. However, due to the commitment of FDOT, contractors, and designers to bring the right people to the table, this new process has been utilized much quicker and has already been successfully implemented on Moving I-4 Forward’s Accelerated Start project (refer to the Industry Information page for additional discussion on MBPD). Key technical staff and decision makers are present during critical discussions which has fostered trust, built strong relationships, and expedited decisions, all of which have encouraged innovation and creativity. With FDOT developing this new process, projects can be accelerated much faster than with conventional methods. Furthermore, the Department is continuously looking for ways to refine and improve not only its MPDB process, but also its Phased Design-Build (PDB) process, which is now very similar to MPDB.
With the development of MPDB, and the enhancement of PDB, everyone wins: FDOT, the industry, and most importantly, our communities. Benefits of using this pioneering process include reduced project timelines, travelers spending less time in traffic, fewer taxpayer dollars being spent, and a continued focus on innovation. Ultimately, the citizens of our great state will see the best projects delivered at the best price while enjoying a better driving experience.
For information regarding both Modified Phased Design-Build and Phased Design-Build, please refer to the following Process Comparison Overview document.
As the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) remains committed to innovation, the Moving I-4 Forward Program through Central Florida has been expedited thanks to the creative thinking of the project team. The team wanted to solve the problem of how to deliver immediate congestion relief to the community without having to wait for the remaining construction associated with the program to finish. With that goal in mind, they made the bold decision to add more lanes to critical portions of Interstate 4 (I-4) at the onset of the program and open them for use throughout the remainder of construction.
This approach led to the Accelerated Start phase of the Moving I-4 Forward Program. This phase included constructing two new congestion relief lanes, one in each direction, in the median of the existing I-4 mainline between U.S. 27 and World Drive, and opening these lanes for use at the start of the project to provide relief from the heavy congestion within this area.
But the team didn’t stop innovating. They also decided to advance the completion of full-build sections of I-4 at the County Road 532 (ChampionsGate) and World Drive interchanges to better facilitate and expedite the construction of the rest of the program. By completing these segments first, it provides a construction buffer between the larger projects. Because these larger project segments are not directly adjacent, they can function independently during construction. This buffer between these larger projects is a key contributor for the program’s flexibility and efficiency.
The creative thinking from the project team and the willingness of FDOT’s leadership to advance innovative methods are a win for Floridians, who are already experiencing improved traffic flow with the congestion relief lanes now open to traffic.