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Guide • 7 min read

Ensuring Schedule Certainty with Readiness Gates

Key Takeaways

  • Major road projects slip primarily because work is released before prerequisites are met
  • 'Readiness Gates' enforce preconditions before crews mobilize
  • Agencies applying gates reduce schedule overruns from ~12% to <5%

The Challenge


GAO reviews of large U.S. infrastructure projects note chronic schedule slippage from scope creep and premature work release.


Best Practices


1. Define Readiness Gates

Example: "Paving cannot begin until design sign-off, utility clearance, procurement complete, weather forecast acceptable."


2. Critical Path Diagnostics

Weekly reviews of float erosion protect delivery.


3. Scenario-Based Buffers

Include weather and traffic scenarios into baseline.


Execution Outcome


Programs using readiness gates report reduced delay claims, lower overtime, and stronger public trust.


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