Case Study: Subcontractor Scheduling Conflicts Delay Drainage Installation in Colorado (2020)

Project Overview
• Name: Denver I-70 Improvement Project
• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Year: 2020
• Project Size: $580 million
• Scope: Highway reconstruction with extensive drainage and utility work
• Lead Agencies/Contractors: Colorado DOT /

Category of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Subcontractor Management
• Scheduling & Coordination

Summary of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
Drainage subcontractor’s overlapping scheduling with utility subcontractors caused access conflicts, delaying critical drainage pipe installation and causing cascading schedule impacts.

Root Cause Analysis

• Poor inter-subcontractor communication and coordination.
• Lack of integrated project scheduling tools accessible to all parties.
• Absence of a conflict resolution protocol for scheduling disputes.
• Ineffective prime contractor oversight of subcontractor sequencing.

Impacts Due to the Issue, Problem, or Challenge

• 5-week delay in drainage installation.
• Increased project costs due to idle equipment and crews.
• Pressure on subsequent construction phases and risk of overall project delay.

Corrective Actions Taken

1. Implemented a centralized scheduling platform accessible to all subcontractors.
2. Established weekly coordination meetings chaired by prime contractor.
3. Developed and enforced clear sequencing protocols and dispute resolution processes.
4. Increased prime contractor oversight of subcontractor interactions and schedule compliance.

Lessons Learned

• Effective communication and integrated scheduling among subcontractors are crucial.
• Centralized scheduling tools reduce conflicts and delays.
• Proactive prime contractor management mitigates subcontractor coordination issues.

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

• Are subcontractors’ schedules integrated and shared?
• Are coordination meetings held regularly with clear agendas?
• Is there a protocol for resolving subcontractor scheduling conflicts?