A new report from New York University projects major savings from combining contracts to design and build public works, citing savings from the approach already in use on the new Tappan Zee Bridge.
NYU's Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management says 41 states use so-called design-build for most public construction, while New York four years ago first approved it for five state agencies including the Thruway Authority now building twin replacement spans over the lower Hudson River.
The report cites $1.7 billion in savings there.
Legislation to expand it to New York City, with about $11 billion in capital commitments this year, and other state agencies hasn't been enacted.
The report was sponsored by RBC Capital Markets and the Association for a Better New York.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
