As the I-35W bridge collapse and aftermath in Minneapolis affects the lives of local residents, reconstruction plans continue on the fast track. The bridge collapsed on Aug.1; Statements of Qualifications were due Aug. 8. On Sept. 19 the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) announced an apparent bid winner.
The department evaluated four design-build teams using a “best value” selection process, with scores based on project proposals, cost, the length of time required, and a road user cost. The winner in this competition was DBIA member Flatiron Constructors Inc. in a joint venture with Manson Construction. Their bid was $233,763,000 with 437 days to build the new bridge. The procurement process should be finalized with a signed contract within 30 days of that time.
Mn/DOT has made an effort to get public input on the proposed layout, holding public hearings to give anyone with an interest in the bridge replacement an opportunity to comment. In addition, state law mandates that the City of Minneapolis review the proposed layout. On Aug. 17 the city council and Mayor R.T. Rybak unanimously approved a statement of principles for the new bridge.
The proposed layout includes five lanes in each direction, including two that could be devoted to bus rapid transit and/or managed lanes. It also requires that the new bridge support a possible light rail line in the future.
Until the bridge is in place, Mn/DOT is working on alternative routes for those who used the I-35W bridge. This includes widening access ramps, converting shoulders to bus-only lanes, adding lanes to some roads, and adding signals and signs, as well as traffic cameras, to some roads.
The economic impact of the bridge collapse is estimated to be $400,000 per day.
INFO: Minnesota Department of Transportation (www.dot.state.mn.us)