Evaluating solutions to facilitate the presence of operation and maintenance contractors in the pre-occupancy phases: A case study of road infrastructure projects

Infrastructure projects are very important for economic and social success especially in developing countries. Road infrastructure projects have a significant role in this growth in connecting different strategic locations of a country or region to each other. During different project phases, many stakeholders are involved, and each has their own expectations. Thus, for project success, creating a balance among them is very significant. This can only be achieved by ensuring integration of projects. However, according to recent studies, there are various barriers in enabling this. This study evaluates solutions to facilitate the presence of operation and maintenance (O&M) contractors in the pre-occupancy phases of infrastructure projects. To achieve this, an in-depth literature review and case study research methods are applied. Solutions from the conducted case study within the road infrastructure projects are compared with findings from the available literature. Finally a framework is provided which addresses the need to reduce barriers to the presence of O&M contractors in the design and implementation phases of infrastructure projects. Such classification helps researchers to have a better understanding of project needs for facilitating the early presence of O&M contractors within infrastructure projects. This study highlights the need for localizing solutions in different parts of the world.