"Purpose With increasing transportation needs@ funding limitations at both the federal and state levels@ and the high cost of transportation improvement projects@ it is important to have a toolbox of techniques that support accurate estimation of project costs. There is no single ""right way"" to prepare an estimate@ and these guidelines are not intended to promote one technique over another. The purpose of this guide is to provide a nationally recognized and accepted set of cost estimation and cost management practices that each DOT can draw from and use appropriately to its situation."