Case Study: Owner-Driven Scope Creep Delays Bridge Project in Missouri (2020)

Project Overview
• Name: Missouri River Bridge Replacement
• Location: Jefferson City, Missouri
• Year: 2020
• Project Size: $310 million
• Scope: Demolition and replacement of aging river bridge infrastructure
• Lead Agencies/Contractors: Missouri DOT (Owner) /

Category of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Contract Owner
• Scope Management

Summary of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
During construction, the Missouri DOT repeatedly expanded project requirements—including lane additions and design changes—without appropriate contract amendments. This led to out-of-sequence work and delays.

Root Cause Analysis

• Owner-initiated scope changes mid-construction.
• No formalized change control process.
• Delayed decisions on design approvals.
• Poor coordination between owner’s engineers and construction team.

Impacts Due to the Issue, Problem, or Challenge

• Six-month project delay.
• $21 million in added costs due to inefficiencies and rework.
• Strained contractor-owner relationships and legal dispute over change orders.

Corrective Actions Taken

1. Owner established formal scope change approval and tracking process.
2. All design changes reviewed through a joint technical review board.
3. Improved contractor involvement in early design revisions.

Lessons Learned

• Scope creep must be managed through disciplined change control.
• Construction-phase design changes should involve the delivery team.
• Owner and contractor collaboration reduces risk of disruption.

Audit & Prevention: Project Control Questions to Ask on Future Projects to Help Control the Situation

• Is a formal scope change procedure in place and followed?
• Are construction-phase changes reviewed for impact before implementation?
• Is there a structured coordination process between owner and contractor?