News Summary

In New York, persistent construction delays have prompted officials to explore new methods to accelerate projects and promote equity. The state looks to Alternative Delivery methods like Design-Build to address these issues, hoping to reduce costs and involve more minority and women-owned businesses. Recent success stories, such as the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, showcase the potential benefits. However, legislative approval is needed for broader adoption of these efficient techniques amidst ongoing infrastructure challenges and delays affecting public transit.

New York Takes Steps to Improve Construction Efficiency and Equity

In the bustling city of New York, construction delays have been a persistent headache, with some projects dragging on for years. A prime example is the ongoing saga of the Van Wyck Expressway, which has been in the works for over 70 years. Ruring this time, the state has noticed a growing need for a new approach to tackle these delays and make development opportunities more equitable.

Concerns have been raised by local leaders regarding how these delays are affecting critical projects like highway repairs. Increasing costs due to funding cuts and tariffs on steel and aluminum are making it even harder to keep projects on track. With these challenges in mind, there’s a push for Alternative Delivery methods to help build projects more quickly, cost-effectively, and fairly.

What is Alternative Delivery?

So, what exactly is this Alternative Delivery approach, and why is it gaining traction? The term encompasses methods such as Design-Build and Construction Manager Build. The goal is to get builders involved early in the design process. Why is this significant? It allows teams to work together right from the start, reducing the chances of costly mistakes and delays that can haunt projects down the line.

With this early collaboration, builders and designers can manage risks better, leading to fewer holdups, enhanced transparency, and tighter control over costs. Plus, these methods are also opening doors for minority and women-owned businesses to participate in construction contracts. This shift in focus means that quality is prioritized over just the lowest price, creating a more inclusive landscape.

Track Record for Success

The success story of the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in Brooklyn stands testament to the benefits of Alternative Delivery. Interestingly, this project saw 39% of its construction dollars and nearly half of its design fees go to M/WBE firms. It was also completed a whopping two years faster than projects that followed traditional methods.

Despite clear advantages, New York has been somewhat slower to adopt Alternative Delivery compared to other states. Last year’s legislation did expand Design-Build options, but only for a handful of projects. Thankfully, there’s hope on the horizon with Governor Hochul’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 aiming to give all city agencies broader access to these efficient construction methods for capital projects.

Legislative Hurdles Ahead

However, it all hinges on the State Legislature’s approval to ensure these reforms happen, especially as challenges surrounding infrastructure continue to mount. With the current administration creating obstacles for New York infrastructure development, it’s more important than ever for new methodologies to come into play.

Impact on Transportation

The construction delays are far-reaching, even impacting public transit. Assemblyman Billy Jones has raised alarm about Amtrak service delays. Passengers are experiencing reduced round-trip service and lengthy layovers due to ongoing construction. This shift highlights broader transportation challenges that often get overlooked amid construction activities.

Moreover, commuters around the George Washington Bridge have experienced traffic delays that have stretched to an arduous 90 minutes due to overnight construction causing lane closures. The Port Authority mentioned that malfunctions in paving equipment impacted the efficiency of traffic clearance just in time for the rush hour.

Even State Route 11 in Cicero isn’t immune as one-lane alternating traffic will be in place for several days due to ongoing work. Travelers are urged to proceed with caution in work zones to ensure their safety.

In summary, while the construction landscape in New York is challenging due to historical delays and rising costs, the collective push for Alternative Delivery methods represents a refreshing shift. This could ultimately mean faster project completion times, increased involvement of diverse contractors, and an overall improvement in the city’s development efforts. Here’s hoping that New York can finally overcome these long-standing hurdles!

New York Aims to Enhance Construction Efficiency and Equity