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This study investigated obstacles to adopting total quality management in road construction projects in Desie City, Ethiopia. Using a purposive sampling method with a sample size of 73, data were collected from stakeholders through structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and analysed with SPSS and Excel through a mixed-methods approach. The findings identified major challenges, including contractor incompetency (highest ranked), client owners, and consultant incompetency, alongside issues like cash flow, project personnel, and funds availability. The findings imply that addressing contractor, client and consultant incompetency, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and improving safety, design accuracy, and financial management are critical for successful implementation of total quality management in road construction projects in Desie city, Ethiopia. Its findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders to identify key barriers and make informed decisions to enhance project quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Future research should validate findings, explore capacity-building and stakeholder strategies, and address external challenges to improve sustainable TQM in road construction.