Contractor bears risk of overruns

The Oct. 2 letter about I-5 construction in Everett, “Put efficiency into the equation,” is unfair to drivers, who have been incredibly patient during this challenging construction project, and the workers who are striving to get this massive project done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

This project is far ahead of schedule and should be complete in June 2008, only eight months away. Working with the Legislature and our contractor, we shaved four years off of the original 2012 completion date. The 2004 Legislature accelerated funding so that the project could be finished in 2009. Then our contractor devised ways to complete the construction another year faster.

Taxpayers don’t bear the risk of cost overruns, our contractor does. Our contractor will receive a set amount from the state to design and build this job. They must pay for any cost overruns. They could receive additional money by earning a bonus if they complete the job ahead of June 2008.

It’s impossible to say what each worker is doing every single minute, but it’s likely the worker seen sweeping a scaffolding platform was doing his job right. Cement dust and other debris can create a slick surface. By taking time to thoroughly clean the platform, he’s helping to prevent an injury or death, which would be far more costly than 15 minutes of the worker’s time.

We know that this construction has inconvenienced drivers and neighbors and we greatly appreciate their patience. There are always opportunities to improve and we welcome suggestions about how we can do better. We also applaud the construction workers who are doing an outstanding job, working day and night and in all weather, on an amazingly complex road project. The fact that their progress is visible every day as you drive up and down the freeway is a testament to their skill and hard work.

Mike Cotten

WSDOT Project Director

I-5 Everett HOV freeway expansion project