Every October the WSDOT reports the outcome of the finalized VE studies to the FHWA. Between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008 we finalized 22 studies on projects that had a combined original construction estimate of over $2.119 billion. Of these studies, 13 were required by the FHWA and 5 by WSDOT policy. The remaining 4 studies were requested by the Project Engineer.

The regional breakdown for these projects was:

• NWR - 8
• NCR - 1
• OR - 4
• SWR - 5
• SCR - 1
• ER - 0
• UCO - 3

These projects ranged in size from $506 million (SR 99, Alaskan Way Viaduct - South End) to $9 million (SR 530, Sauk River Bank Erosion CED).

The project teams implemented 149 of 213 recommendations from these studies for a total net savings of over $317 million. This equates to an implementation rate of 70 percent and a return on investment of $462 for every $1 spent on VE studies.

In addition to tracking cost savings, we continue to track performance measures for our value-engineering program. Of the 149 recommendations that were implemented in FY 2008:

• 15 Improved Mainline Operations
• 14 Improved Local Operations
• 40 Improved Maintainability
• 94 Reduced Construction Impacts
• 57 Reduced Environmental Impacts
• 45 Shortened the Project Schedule
• 78 Reduced the Risks

The continued success of our VE program can be attributed to the timing of studies (scoping or early in design), careful selection of team members, improved study reports and the use of performance measures along with continuing to work proactively to improve our value engineering program.