SPR 23-640: Balancing Workforce Needs and Infrastructure Demands

PROBLEM STATEMENT Transportation systems will undergo a significant transformation over the next 10 – 15 years as electric vehicles and connected and automated vehicles become increasingly common. In response, KYTC must identify pragmatic strategies to balance a shrinking workforce, supply shortages, and increased materials prices against growing project demands. KYTC’s 50 percent decline in staff over the past 40 years has coincided with industry partners negotiating their own unique workforce changes and issues related to materials supply and costs. These issues can often result in price adjustments via change orders after projects have been awarded. KYTC must understand the implications of workforce availability as well as materials constraints and pricing to mitigate potential issues. OBJECTIVES • Investigate and evaluate approaches used by other state transportation agencies (STAs) to establish appropriate personnel levels and manage supply chain issues • Develop analytical strategies KYTC can use to evaluate how staffing requirements and issues related to materials supply and pricing influence delivery of the Six-Year Highway Plan • Identify best practices and insights for proactively addressing future issues