Cost Estimation System Tool

1. Cost Estimation System Tool MPO Conference GDOT Office of Planning Dave Cox July 10, 2009

2. Planning Level Cost Estimates • Issues • The current funding environment has created a critical need to ensure accurate and current planning level cost estimates • Federal / State / Local funding requires accurate estimates to assist with spending prioritization and balancing

3. Planning Level Cost Estimates • Answers • Develop Software to better standardize planning level cost estimation. • Cost Estimation System (CES) • AASHTO software product • Estimates Construction & PE phases • Right of Way and Utility Relocation Cost Estimate Tool (RUCEST) • Created by GDOT

4. Improving Planning level Estimates • Items previously not included in planning level estimating • Software cost groups calculate items (asphalt, concrete, earthwork, etc.) known to be in the majority of projects constructed by GDOT. • Software calculates item cost based project location (geographic region of State). • Added contingency captures unknown variables (i.e. concrete walls, culverts, landscaping, lighting, etc.) • - User friendly interface allows user to add secondary project items (traffic signals, turn lanes, etc.)

5. What does CES do for you? • Generates planning level estimates for Construction costs using pre-made project “templates” • Template uses predetermined Cost Groups info to calculate planning level cost estimate based on the project length and the typical section • Uses GDOT historical data (3 year window) and updated each quarter • Provides contingency percentages for unknowns • Documents all planning level assumptions in an attached text file

6. The way CES works • Research project description (logical termini, typical section needed) • Use aerial imagery (Google Maps) to confirm • Project Length • Existing section • Urban/rural • Proposed improvements • Primary work type (i.e. widening, new road) • Secondary work types (i.e. bridges, turn lanes, signals, etc.)

7. The way CES works (cont.) • Select appropriate template in CES • Primary Project template (required) • Secondary template (add as needed) • Enter project length and width • Enter optional items as appropriate. • Traffic Signals, Turn Lanes, Major Intersections. • Document all assumptions for planners and designers to review your cost assumptions.

8. Project Type CES Templates

9. CES Templates • Select the appropriate template – save as new project file

10. CES Main Estimating Screen Enter Project Description • Location: • County • Urban/Rural • GDOT District Length & Width

11. CES Optional Items • Enter quantity # of various items along project corridor • Left Turn Lanes • Right Turn Lanes • Major Intersections • Traffic Signals

12. RUCEST- ROW & Utility Estimating Tool • AASHTO’s CES only calculates CST & PE via % • RUCEST created to generate and document planning level cost estimate for Right of Way (ROW) and Utility Relocation • Uses database of cost items organized by counties (ROW) and DOT District (Utility) • Creates cost sheet that can be exported to PDF or print for archival purposes • Catalogs different cost scenarios as snapshots

13. How RUCEST works • Use aerial imagery (GIS or Google Maps) to estimate project length, ROW land type, takes, and utility • For smaller parcels (i.e. gas stations) found within the corridor, estimate length and subtract from primary land use type. • Fill in the worksheet to compile and document the information before adding a new Snapshot in RUCEST • Add attachment files (PDF maps of corridor) as appropriate • Finalize “snapshots” to save record in RUCEST • Revisit estimates on regular basis as appropriate

14. Items to enter into RUCEST • Terrain (flat, rolling, mountainous) • Typical Section (Urban or Rural) • Tool provides default ROW width • County & Land Type • Enter length of each land type • Tool provides default land value $ cost per acre • Enter known displacements (takings) • Tool provides default land value $ cost per acre • Add known and assumed Utilities • Add attachments (PDFs, Study, N&P, maps, etc.)

15. Cost Estimation resources: Google Church Bridge Utility Corridor Use Distance Measurement Tool to measure Length and Width

16. Google Street View

17. Potential items to look for Power Poles signage Traffic Signal Storm Drain (sewer) Fire Hydrant (water line)

18. Sample Documentation Text File Attachment Input project name & description • Input: • Date / Estimator • Project length • Project width • # of lanes

19. Sample Documentation Text File Attachment Based on typical section selected

20. Text File Attachment Create separate project for bridges using bridge widening templates (secondary project) Cost from CES template based on length and total width of new bridge less existing width

21. Summary • Use these Planning level cost estimating tools to develop initial project cost during LRTP development, for projects which have not had preliminary engineering (PE) initiated • Save all documentation in software tools so estimates can be reviewed in the future • Review the available training materials and documentation • Provide future suggestions

22. Questions? Contact info: Dave Cox GDOT - Office of Planning 404-631-1807 dcox@dot.ga.gov