An audit of the N.C. Department of Transportation's projects during the last three years found taxpayers paid $152.4 million in behind-schedule construction costs.

N.C. State Auditor Les Merritt called the department out saying it operates on "hunches" and "intuition" rather than real data. Merritt's report found the department doesn't track or analyze the delays and successes of its projects.

In the last 10 years, reviews by auditors, consultants and even legislators warned the department about how it measures performance. Why the department hasn't made progress on the issue is inexcusable.

DOT claims most of the delays in projects were beyond their control, which is understandable when you start close to 400 highway projects in a three-year span. But 73 percent of the projects missed projected start dates.

One of N.C. Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett's answers to the report was establishing a team to examine the department's data use and performance objectives. The response to the issue comes a little too late.

DOT's written response also cited the department plans more work than it can afford.

Perhaps Wednesday's audit should be an indication for the department to realign some of its goals.

Take on less work, but be more time-efficient. Look into incentives for projects that stay on course. Waste less taxpayers' money.