Does it sometimes seem like those road works projects that delay traffic go on indefinitely?  

Well, according to State Auditor, Doug Hoffer, sometimes they sort of do.

In a new report examining two AOT projects, the state’s Number-Cruncher-In-Chief  details how one of those project’s extended delay cost you more than just lost time in traffic.  

The audit focussed on the Bennington Bypass, which was found to have been completed on-time; and  a paving project in New Haven which ran thirty-five days over schedule.

Twenty-four of those excess days (a 21% overrun) were determined to be the contractor’s own responsibility, and therefore subject to charges that recover some money lost by the state:

When a delay is caused by the contractor,  the Agency can charge liquidated damages to help recover costs associated with the delay and to provide an incentive for getting the job done on time.  In this case, the Agency charged the contractor $45,600. to cover the costs of project oversight; equal to 1.2%of the original $3.8 million contract.

The state audit revealed that the liquidated damages do not include the cost of flaggers, signage and traffic control personnel required to cover the delay, all of which added $70,000. to the cost of the overall project.  

Asks Hoffer:

Why should the state pay $70,000. for the contractor’ failure to finish the job on time?”

Why, indeed?

Another issue that was uncovered by the audit involves insurance.

“Our review of the contractor’s insurance certificates indicated that certain types of required coverage were excluded and coverage limits did not meet contract requirements,” said Hoffer

…and on four insurance certificates issued in connection with the contracts the state is not identified as an insured party.  This omission exposes the state to risk.

If there are savings to be found anywhere in the state’s operating expenses, sooner or later Doug Hoffer will find them.

…and that’s the way it’s done!