Summary

King County has announced that the apparent low bidder to construct a new South Park Bridge is Kiewit-Massman, a joint venture of Kiewit Infrastructure West Company and Massman Construction Company.

Story

King County has announced that the apparent low bidder to construct a new South Park Bridge is Kiewit-Massman, a joint venture of Kiewit Infrastructure West Company and Massman Construction Company. The joint venture's construction bid came in just over $96 million, significantly less than the County's initial construction estimate of $98 million - $108 million.

"This excellent bid gives us the ability to complete the South Park Bridge below our construction estimate, marking the end of a decade of frustration and uncertainty," King County Executive Dow Constantine said. "We now move forward knowing this project will preserve a vital South King County transportation corridor as it generates scores of good-paying construction-related jobs. Once complete, the new bridge will reconnect our historic industrial heartland and the vital, affordable family neighborhoods of the Duwamish valley, supporting thousands of good jobs for decades to come."

The South Park Bridge was closed in mid-2010 for safety reasons. Recognizing the vital role the bridge plays in supporting the local economy and moving vehicles and freight, Executive Constantine, agency partners and community members were successful in putting together a funding package for a new bridge. Those key partnerships forged by Constantine resulted in pledges of funding totaling $95 million.

Before the bridge closed, it carried 20,000 vehicles and nearly 3,000 trucks each day over the Duwamish River. It served as an important connection for freight and Boeing Company facilities while supporting about 32,000 jobs within a one-mile area.

Following a review of the winning bid to confirm the contractor's qualifications and cost estimates, King County will enter into a formal contract with Kiewit-Massman. Once the contract is executed, the contractor will decide how to stage and sequence the construction work. The county expects construction will begin in May.

The construction project is expected to employ 120 people during the estimated 32-month construction period.

Initial work will likely involve mobilizing equipment and materials, which will be stored on each side of the existing bridge. That will be followed by construction of bascule piers, including the construction of work platforms to provide in-river access to the piers as they are being constructed. This phase of work will take up to a year to complete.

The County's Road Services Division estimates the new bridge will be open by mid-2013, with project completion expected in late 2013.

Today's bid announcement comes one day after Executive Constantine and County staff gathered with South Park community members for a thank you celebration marking the completion of efforts to secure critical funding for the bridge. Executive Constantine recognized many members of the community for their years of dedication and efforts to maintain awareness of the need for funding to get a new bridge built. To view photos of the celebration, visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingcountygov/sets/72157626225821662/