123.2 Construction Inspection Guidelines
123.2.1 General Procedures
On Federal-Aid highway projects, the terms of federal participation are established by an oversight agreement between the department and the FHWA. This agreement provides for the work to be done in accordance with predetermined criteria contained in the plans and specifications, in approved standard drawings, and in special provisions required by the nature of the project.
The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission will award a construction contract for the project with the concurrence of the FHWA. Supervision of construction is a function of the MoDOT’s engineers and inspectors. FHWA representatives may make periodic inspections of these projects and will complete a final inspection and final acceptance.
123.2.2 The FHWA - MoDOT Relationship
The relationship between the FHWA and MoDOT does not directly involve the contractor. FHWA representatives inspect the project to review MoDOT’s procedures for assuring the project is built according to commitments contained in project documents, MoDOT/FHWA agreements and to assure that the contractor follows proper construction practices. Any deficiencies noted by the FHWA representative shall be documented and conveyed to MoDOT’s engineer or inspector. MoDOT will work directly with the contractor to resolve these deficiencies.
MoDOT employees are expected to cooperate with FHWA representatives in their inspections. Note their comments in the diary. Promptly refer to the resident engineer matters that require their attention. Should a FHWA representative give instructions to a MoDOT employee which appears to be in conflict with MoDOT policy, the FHWA representative should be courteously informed that the employee has no authority to carry out such instruction but will refer the matter to the appropriate supervisor.
The MoDOT inspector, as directed by the resident engineer, will inform FHWA representatives of necessary extra work and of any proposed changes on projects designated for federal involvement for construction in the PODI matrix. All major changes must have concurrence of the FHWA before any of the work is started.
An oversight agreement signed by MoDOT and FHWA, outlines the specific procedures which the Construction and Materials Division together with the district must follow in the administration of a project. MoDOT will complete a final inspection and final acceptance on projects not designated for federal involvement. The FHWA reserves the right to observe a project under MoDOT responsibility, including those conducted by a Local Public Agency (LPA) at any time.