Steps for successful CSD/CSS projects

A consensus of the research and practitioners, and review of pilot state activities and projects confirms that there are four essential aspects to achieving a successful CSD/CSS project. These include effective decision making and implementation, outcomes that reflect community values and are sensitive to environmental resources, and ultimately, project solutions that are safe and financially feasible. CSS savvy teams and organizations responsible for project development employ specific processes and tools to achieve success in each of these areas.

In terms of the project development process, there are six key steps that define complex projects and that must be considered with care. The overall management structure, including organization and project management issues, is clearly of vital importance. Problem definition - defining the nature, scope, and severity of the transportation problem being solved is a key early step in the process. Referring to Exhibit A-1 (CSD_162) above, project proposals resulting from identification of a problem or need can come from many sources (outside requests, safety, or asset needs study, long range plan implementation).

The development of a solution involves a series of key steps that take place during the project planning and study phases. Project development framework, alternatives development, and alternatives screening, evaluation, and selection are all key phases of any project. These phases are where active engagement of stakeholders, open discussion, creativity, and weighing of choices are accomplished. Finally, implementation of a selected solution translates the hard planning work to a constructed or completed project that will yield real benefits. It also includes activities and actions of the agency after construction, including maintenance, operation, and monitoring of the performance of the implemented project solution.