Governor Perdue Encourages Private Engineering Firms to Bid on Bridges Projects

Governor Perdue Encourages Private Engineering Firms to Bid on Bridges Projects

NCDOT Advertises 187 Bridge Replacement Design Projects Oct. 3

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation seeks proposals starting Oct. 3 for private engineering firms to design replacements for 187 bridges.

NCDOT will commit $450 million over two years on state-funded bridge projects. Bidding out the design contracts for 187 bridges in more than 40 counties stimulates the private sector economy, and will help these projects move quickly.

“My top priority is growing jobs and investing in infrastructure leads to job growth,” Gov. Perdue said. “Workers are needed to do design and construction, and these projects improve our ability to move people and goods efficiently, expanding our economy.”

In addition to the design work being advertised now, NCDOT will initiate improvement, enhancement or replacement of another 1,000 bridges during this same two-year period.

Several projects will focus on replacing bridges that are less than 20 feet long because those structures don’t qualify for federal funding. As preliminary work is done, it’s possible that some existing bridges could be replaced by large pipes or box culverts.

All proposals must be submitted by pre-qualified engineering firms. In an effort to help smaller design firms, NCDOT will designate a portion of these projects for bid by small business ventures.

The projects will be advertised on the current projects link (http://www.ncdot.gov/doh/preconstruct/highway/roadway/eng_coord/pd/current.html ) on NCDOT’s website.