Assessment of Factors Influencing Schedule Delay in Road Construction Projects in Oromiya Region: The case “Sansuse –Tatek” and “Tulu Bolo-Kela” design and build road project

Abstract

Schedule delays are common in road construction sector and create major concerns for project performance. Road Construction schedule delays are caused by many factors. This study identified and assessed schedule delay factors on road construction projects and analyzed these factors with relative importance index method. For this purpose, 83 different delay factors were identified and categorized into nine major groups. Results from relative importance index presented according to their importance. Ranking shows that the equipment -related factors (RII=0.752) are the most significant factor that cause road construction delays. The second most significant factors are material related (RII=0.713) while the third significant factors are contractor related (RII=0.707) factors. Owner-related factors (ERA)/Client (RII=0.704) is the fourth factors whereas consultant-related Factors (RII=0.704) and design-related factors (RII=0.686) are the fifth and six most important group respectively. Externality-related factors (RII=0.634 ranked as the seventh most important group and Labor-related factor (RII=616) is the eighth most important group. Finally, Project-related factors (RII=0.601) is the last and least important group. The factors and effect of schedule delays groups contributing the most to delays (those needing attention) were discussed, and some recommendations were made to minimize and control delays in road construction projects. Based on the above-mentioned results and findings of this study, different recommendations were suggested to help minimize and control schedule delays in road construction projects.