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Public-Private Partnerships for Highway Infrastructure: Capitalizing on International Experience

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Report Cover

Table of Contents

Sponsored by:

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

In cooperation with:
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
National Cooperative Highway Research Program

Notice:

The Federal Highway Administration provides high-quality information to serve Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to ensure continuous quality improvement.

1. Report No.
FHWA-PL-09-010
2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No.
4. Title and Subtitle
Public-Private Partnerships for Highway
Infrastructure: Capitalizing on International
Experience
5. Report Date
March 2009
6. Performing Organization Code
7. Author(s)
Janice Weingart Brown, Robert Pieplow, Roger Driskell, Stephen Gaj, Michael J. Garvin, Dusty Holcombe, Michael Saunders, Jeff Seiders, Jr., Art Smith
8. Performing Organization Report No.
9. Performing Organization Name and Address
American Trade Initiatives
P.O. Box 8228
Alexandria, VA 22306-8228
10. Work Unit No.(TRAIS)
11. Contract or Grant No.
DTFH61-99-C-005
12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address
Office of International Programs
Office of Policy
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
13. Type of Report and Period Covered
14. Sponsoring Agency Code
15. Supplementary Notes
FHWA COTR: Hana Maier, Office of International Programs
16. Abstract

Public-private partnership (PPP) programs for highway infrastructure are not widely used in the United States. The Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a scanning study to collect information about PPP programs for highway infrastructure in Australia, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, where PPP experience is more extensive.

The scan team learned that PPPs are an effective strategy for delivering highway projects, and they are service arrangements as much as financial ones. The team observed that potential PPP projects must be analyzed and structured thoughtfully to preserve public interests and that managing the partnership over the life of the contract is critical to providing the services expected.

Team recommendations for U.S. implementation include convening workshops, developing training guidelines, establishing an expert task group, developing a research strategy, and publishing principles and guideline documents on PPP topics.

17. Key Words
contract management, infrastructure, key performance indicator, performance measure, procurement, public-private partnership, value for money
18. Distribution Statement
No restrictions. This document is available to the public from the: Office of International Programs, FHWA - HPIP, Room 3325, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590
international@fhwa.dot.gov
www.international.fhwa.dot.gov
19. Security Classify. (of this report)
Unclassified
20. Security Classify. (of this page)
Unclassified
21. No. of Pages
88
22. Price
Free

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized

Acknowledgments

Many contributed to the success of the scan on public-private partnerships for highway infrastructure. Foremost, the team would like to thank the members of the host delegations who gave of their time, experience, and knowledge so willingly. Further, their hospitality throughout the team's visits was most appreciated. While too numerous to cite here, the individuals the team met are listed in Appendix D. In addition, we would like to thank those who worked behind the scenes to provide logistical support. Special thanks also go to the interpreter who expertly translated our interactions with some of the Spanish delegation.

Prepared by the International Scanning Study Team:

Janice Weingart Brown
(cochair)
FHWA

Robert Pieplow (cochair)
California DOT

Roger Driskell
Illinois DOT

Stephen Gaj
FHWA

Michael J. Garvin
(report facilitator)
Virginia Tech

Dusty Holcombe
Virginia DOT

Michael Saunders
FHWA

Jeffrey Seiders, Jr.
Texas DOT

Arthur Smith
National Council for
Public-Private Partnerships


for:

Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

National Cooperative Highway Research Program

International Technology Scanning Program

The International Technology Scanning Program, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), evaluates innovative foreign technologies and practices that could significantly benefit U.S. highway transportation systems. This approach allows for advanced technology to be adapted and put into practice much more efficiently without spending scarce research funds to re-create advances already developed by other countries.

FHWA and AASHTO, with recommendations from NCHRP, jointly determine priority topics for teams of U.S. experts to study. Teams in the specific areas being investigated are formed and sent to countries where significant advances and innovations have been made in technology, management practices, organizational structure, program delivery, and financing. Scan teams usually include representatives from FHWA, State departments of transportation, local governments, transportation trade and research groups, the private sector, and academia.

After a scan is completed, team members evaluate findings and develop comprehensive reports, including recommendations for further research and pilot projects to verify the value of adapting innovations for U.S. use. Scan reports, as well as the results of pilot programs and research, are circulated throughout the country to State and local transportation officials and the private sector. Since 1990, more than 75 international scans have been organized on topics such as pavements, bridge construction and maintenance, contracting, intermodal transport, organizational management, winter road maintenance, safety, intelligent transportation systems, planning, and policy.

The International Technology Scanning Program has resulted in significant improvements and savings in road program technologies and practices throughout the United States. In some cases, scan studies have facilitated joint research and technology-sharing projects with international counterparts, further conserving resources and advancing the state of the art. Scan studies have also exposed transportation professionals to remarkable advancements and inspired implementation of hundreds of innovations. The result: large savings of research dollars and time, as well as significant improvements in the Nation's transportation system.

Scan reports can be obtained through FHWA free of charge by e-mailing international@dot.gov. Scan reports are also available electronically and can be accessed on the FHWA Office of International Programs Web site at www.international.fhwa.dot.gov.

International Technology Scan Reports

Safety

Improving Safety and Mobility for Older Road Users in Australia and Japan (2008)

Safety Applications of Intelligent Transportation Systems in Europe and Japan (2006)

Traffic Incident Response Practices in Europe (2006)

Underground Transportation Systems in Europe: Safety, Operations, and Emergency Response (2006)

Roadway Human Factors and Behavioral Safety in Europe (2005)

Traffic Safety Information Systems in Europe and Australia (2004)

Signalized Intersection Safety in Europe (2003)

Managing and Organizing Comprehensive Highway Safety in Europe (2003)

European Road Lighting Technologies (2001)

Commercial Vehicle Safety, Technology, and Practice in Europe (2000)

Methods and Procedures to Reduce Motorist Delays in European Work Zones (2000)

Innovative Traffic Control Technology and Practice in Europe (1999)

Road Safety Audits–Final Report and Case Studies (1997)

Speed Management and Enforcement Technology: Europe and Australia (1996)

Safety Management Practices in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand (1995)

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety in England, Germany, and the Netherlands (1994)

Planning and Environment Active Travel Management: The Next Step in Congestion Management (2007)

Managing Travel Demand: Applying European Perspectives to U.S. Practice (2006)

Transportation Asset Management in Australia, Canada, England, and New Zealand (2005)

Transportation Performance Measures in Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand (2004)

European Right-of-Way and Utilities Best Practices (2002)

Geometric Design Practices for European Roads (2002)

Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Across European Highways (2002)

Sustainable Transportation Practices in Europe (2001)

Recycled Materials in European Highway Environments (1999)

European Intermodal Programs: Planning, Policy, and Technology (1999)

National Travel Surveys (1994)

Policy and Information

European Practices in Transportation Workforce Development (2003)

Intelligent Transportation Systems and Winter Operations in Japan (2003)

Emerging Models for Delivering Transportation Programs and Services (1999)

National Travel Surveys (1994)

Acquiring Highway Transportation Information From Abroad (1994)

International Guide to Highway Transportation Information (1994)

International Contract Administration Techniques for Quality Enhancement (1994)

European Intermodal Programs: Planning, Policy, and Technology (1994)

Operations

Freight Mobility and Intermodal Connectivity in China (2008)

Commercial Motor Vehicle Size and Weight Enforcement in Europe (2007)

Active Travel Management: The Next Step in Congestion Management (2007)

Managing Travel Demand: Applying European Perspectives to U.S. Practice (2006)

Traffic Incident Response Practices in Europe (2006)

Underground Transportation Systems in Europe: Safety, Operations, and Emergency Response (2006)

Superior Materials, Advanced Test Methods, and Specifications in Europe (2004)

Freight Transportation: The Latin American Market (2003)

Meeting 21st Century Challenges of System Performance Through Better Operations (2003)

Traveler Information Systems in Europe (2003)

Freight Transportation: The European Market (2002)

European Road Lighting Technologies (2001)

Methods and Procedures to Reduce Motorist Delays in European Work Zones (2000)

Innovative Traffic Control Technology and Practice in Europe (1999)

European Winter Service Technology (1998)

Traffic Management and Traveler Information Systems (1997)

European Traffic Monitoring (1997)

Highway/Commercial Vehicle Interaction (1996)

Winter Maintenance Technology and Practices–Learning from Abroad (1995)

Advanced Transportation Technology (1994)

Snowbreak Forest Book–Highway Snowstorm Countermeasure Manual (1990)

Infrastructure—General

Public-Private Partnerships for Highway Infrastructure: Capitalizing on International Experience (2009)

Audit Stewardship and Oversight of Large and Innovatively Funded Projects in Europe (2006)

Construction Management Practices in Canada and Europe (2005)

European Practices in Transportation Workforce Development (2003)

Contract Administration: Technology and Practice in Europe (2002)

European Road Lighting Technologies (2001)

Geometric Design Practices for European Roads (2001)

Geotechnical Engineering Practices in Canada and Europe (1999)

Geotechnology—Soil Nailing (1993)

Infrastructure—Pavements

Warm-Mix Asphalt: European Practice (2008)

Long-Life Concrete Pavements in Europe and Canada (2007)

Quiet Pavement Systems in Europe (2005)

Pavement Preservation Technology in France, South Africa, and Australia (2003)

Recycled Materials in European Highway Environments (1999)

South African Pavement and Other Highway Technologies and Practices (1997)

Highway/Commercial Vehicle Interaction (1996)

European Concrete Highways (1992)

European Asphalt Technology (1990)

Infrastructure—Bridges

Bridge Evaluation Quality Assurance in Europe (2008)

Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems in Japan and Europe (2005)

Bridge Preservation and Maintenance in Europe and South Africa (2005)

Performance of Concrete Segmental and Cable-Stayed Bridges in Europe (2001)

Steel Bridge Fabrication Technologies in Europe and Japan (2001)

European Practices for Bridge Scour and Stream Instability Countermeasures (1999)

Advanced Composites in Bridges in Europe and Japan (1997)

Asian Bridge Structures (1997)

Bridge Maintenance Coatings (1997)

Northumberland Strait Crossing Project (1996)

European Bridge Structures (1995)

Abbreviations and Acronyms

AASHTOAmerican Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials
BOOTbuild-own-operate-transfer
CPIconsumer price index
DBFOdesign-build-finance-operate
DOTdepartment of transportation
DRdepartment’s representative (United Kingdom)
EOIexpressions of interest
EPEstradas de Portugal, S.A.
EUEuropean Union
FHWAFederal Highway Administration
HMTreasury Her Majesty’s Treasury (United Kingdom)
IGTinstructions and guidance to tenderers
KPIkey performance indicator
NAONational Audit Office (United Kingdom)
NCHRPNational Cooperative Highway Research Program
NCPPPNational Council for Public-Private Partnerships
NPVnet present value
OJEUOfficial Journal of the European Union
PFIPrivate Finance Initiative
PINprior information notice
PSCpublic sector comparator
PPBprovisional preferred bidder (United Kingdom)
PPPpublic-private partnership
RFPrequest for proposal
RFQrequest for qualification
SEITASouthern and Eastern Integrated Traffic Authority (Victoria, Australia)
STIPscan technology implementation plan
VfMvalue for money
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