The Pacific Northwest is gearing up for a historic era of infrastructure expansion. With $40 billion in public megaprojects—each valued at over $300 million—slated over the next 15 years, public builders like Sound Transit, King County, WSDOT, and the Port of Seattle face a monumental challenge: delivering these complex projects amid resource constraints.

In a recent Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) article, Jeff Arbuckle, Director of Transit at OAC, outlines how Alternative Project Delivery (APD) methods like Design-Build (DB) and General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) are key to managing megaprojects. With APD’s focus on early collaboration between owners, designers, and contractors, teams can work together to accelerate timelines and achieve better project outcomes.

Notable insights for success with APD on megaprojects include:

  • Proactive Outreach: Engage stakeholders early to shape attractive, competitive project packages.
  • Assembling the Right Team: Choose teams aligned with APD’s collaborative culture.
  • Training: Ensure all team members understand APD methodologies.
  • Building Trust: Foster strong relationships and open communication from the start.
  • Strategic Risk Management: Balance risk ownership effectively between owners and contractors.
  • Prioritizing Project Health: Use feedback tools to sustain positive team dynamics over long timelines.

As regional growth pushes the construction industry’s limits, APD stands out as the strategy to tackle these challenges head-on. By leveraging insights from experienced industry leaders, we can pave the way for successful project delivery while maximizing resources.

Read the full DJC article here: Alternative project delivery and megaprojects — a guide from those ‘in the know’.