An Integrated Analysis of Supply Chain Disruptions in Transportation Projects

Recent global disruptions have exposed critical vulnerabilities in construction supply chains (CSC), particularly in transportation infrastructure projects. To provide strategies to manage such risks, this study combines objective performance data from real-world projects with legal case analysis, offering an in-depth empirical lens into how recent macroeconomic and geopolitical shocks have reshaped contractual relationships and dispute dynamics. The research unfolds in three phases. First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to map the root causes of supply chain (SC) failures and propose strategic mitigation frameworks. Second, legal disputes arising from SC disruptions extracted from LexisNexis were analyzed, focusing on cases that reveal shifts in risk allocation, contractual ambiguities, and dispute resolution outcomes. Third, procurement and performance data from Florida’s transportation projects were analyzed to identify patterns of delay, cost escalation, and scope changes attributable to SC disruptions. This study contributes to the field by integrating legal and engineering perspectives, enabling a deeper understanding of how risk is redistributed in practice, often diverging from intended contractual allocations. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this research advances the discourse on dispute resolution and risk management in civil infrastructure, providing actionable insights for policymakers, legal professionals, and project managers.