COST-ESTIMATING MODEL FOR LOW-VOLUME ROADS

The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is required to perform accurate and comprehensive road cost estimates to carry out the legislative intent of Congress in the programming, allocation, and use of funds. This study utilizes multiple regression analysis to develop unit-price equations and total project cost equations for cost estimation. A sample consisting of 26 projects from the western United States is used for preliminary model development. The equations developed are applied to a second sample with six projects located in the same area. The results indicate that the model has potential for determining reliable preliminary road cost estimates. Because of its simplicity, this model could reduce the resources spent on this task and lead to the reduction of transportation cost.