Critical Path for Project Development

Authors

Steven Douglas Kreis, University of KentuckyFollow
Bryan Gibson, University of KentuckyFollow
Jeff Jasper, University of KentuckyFollow
Christopher W. Van Dyke, University of KentuckyFollow
Candice Y. Wallace, University of KentuckyFollow
Rachel Catchings, University of KentuckyFollow
Sarah M. McCormack, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

Overseeing the delivery of highway projects at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) requires the successful coordination of activities and inputs from multiple external agencies and members of the agency’s Project Development team, who have varied disciplinary backgrounds. Despite the complexity of project delivery, the Cabinet presently does not estimate hours and project milestone dates until after it has selected a design consultant. Moving forward KYTC should explore requiring consultants to develop a critical path method (CPM) schedule. To facilitate this process, this report describes a methodology for producing CPMs for design contracts/projects based on procedures outlined in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. In addition to reviewing the CPM, this document includes critical path templates that are representative of the Cabinet’s project design process. Templates were developed with the assistance of KYTC experts knowledgeable in areas such as project management, environmental processes, utilities, right of way, and highway design. Work-breakdown units, templates, and Gantt charts for three project contexts were developed: 1) Rural Federal Bridge Replacement (Categorical Exclusion I), 2) Urban Federal Bridge Replacement (Categorical Exclusion I), and 3) 4-Mile Rural Road Widening into Urban Intersection (Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact). An in-depth glossary contains detailed explanations of work-breakdown units and flags issues and challenges that merit close attention during project development. With recourse to the tools and templates presented in this report, project managers and consultants can pursue project management in an organized manner and be ready to deal with any contingencies that may arise.

Report Date

11-2019

Report Number

KTC-19-22/SPR17-547-1F

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2019.22

Notes

Additional files include process flow maps for the following project types:

1. Rural Federal Bridge Replacement (Categorical Exclusion I),
2. Urban Federal Bridge Replacement (Categorical Exclusion I), and
3. 4-Mile Rural Road Widening into Urban Intersection (Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact)

© 2018 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center

Information may not be used, reproduced, or republished without KTC’s written consent.

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the United States Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names or trade names is for identification purposes and should not be considered an endorsement.

Repository Citation

Kreis, Steven Douglas; Gibson, Bryan; Jasper, Jeff; Van Dyke, Christopher W.; Wallace, Candice Y.; Catchings, Rachel; and McCormack, Sarah M., "Critical Path for Project Development" (2019). Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report. 1675.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ktc_researchreports/1675