Cost Estimating - AASHTOWare Project Estimation & Estimator®
Cost Estimating
The Cost Estimating group is part of the Project Administration unit. The functions of the Cost Estimating unit is to provide cost estimating guidance and to prepare the Engineer’s Estimates and bid analyses for Department-administered construction contracts. The Cost Estimating group also provides as-needed assistance on the application of AASHTOWare Project Estimation and Estimator® software.Consultants must continue to use Estimator® for all project cost estimates until further notice.
AASHTOWare Project Estimation
The AASHTOWare Project (AWP) Estimation™ module is a web-based cradle-to-grave estimation application designed to deliver accurate, reliable estimates. This module is an integral part of the web-based AASHTOWare Project™ software suite. The flexibility and data access provided by web-based software allow for additional features that increase the accuracy of estimates. The AASHTOWare Project Estimation module creates a well-defined audit trail, allowing CTDOT to carefully monitor scope and budget over the entire lifespan of a highway improvement. A single point of entry for all cost estimates promotes a streamlined workflow for the cost estimate, eliminating the need for internal hand-offs that can lead to inconsistencies and scope creep.
Full Estimation production rollout for internal design teams begins on Thursday May 1, 2025. Consultant designers must continue to use Estimator® until notified otherwise. Please contact DOT.AASHTOWare_Admins@ct.gov for more information, new AASHTOWare Project credentials or password resets.
The live production environment can be accessed using the following link: PROD
Training Documents, Guides and Sandbox Server Access
Project and Cost Estimate Creation Guide (04/29/2025)
Find Bid Data Research (01/22/2024)
Step by Step Project and Cost Estimate Generation Training Videos
Assign Cost Estimate Item Design Groups
Google Earth Web and Project Points
Bid Based Item Price History Research Training Videos
Estimator®
Estimator is an interactive, PC based, stand-alone cost estimation system for highway construction. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has adopted Estimator for use in preparing construction cost estimates. All Final Design Plan (FDP) cost estimates must be submitted to SharePoint , in digital Estimator format, as indicated by the Digital Project Development Manual and outlined in the Trns•port Estimator CTDOT Users Guide
Estimator can be installed stand-alone or in a networked environment with managed user access (within your firm). Either installation model will use ConnDOT’s Estimator catalogs. Estimator is a proprietary software product of InfoTech Inc.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- New Items - Occasionally, an item needed for a construction contract is not included in the Estimator catalog. When a bid item not included in the Estimator catalog is needed for a project, the designer should submit a New Item Request. This request needs to be submitted at least six weeks prior to the Final Design Plans (FDP) due date.
- Other Information - Sign up for E-alerts! To get notification of Estimator catalog updates by e-mail, go to the Home page and select the “Receive Updates by E-Mail Sign – Up for E-alerts” link. After logging in, select Engineering Applications and subscribe.
Guides & Workflows
Estimator CTDOT Users Guide Version 2.13a-1 April 2016 With Supplements for Estimator Version 2.15a
Generic Estimator Training Guide Version 2.13a - 08/12/15
Generic Estimator User's Guide Version 2.13a - 08/12/15
System Manager's Guide Version 2.12a
Resources & Tools
Estimator Templates (zip file) 10/17/2012
Sample Estimator Spreadsheet 10/01/2013
Estimator Checklist 05/19/2021 Required with FDP estimate submittal.
New Item Request Must be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to FDP
Presentations
Estimator Training for Consultants August 2015
Estimator Training for CTDOT Personnel August 2015
Consultant Resources