Appeal to be Heard Over Portland's 'Big Pipe' Contractor Switch
The city of Portland, Ore. started contract negotiations with the joint venture team of Kiewit Construction Company (Omaha) and German-based Bilfinger Berger for the second phase of a $1.4-billion program to control combined storm and sewer overflows. Dubbed the Big Pipe project, it is the costliest construction project in the citys history.
Now at its mid-point, the city has opted to change contractors for the project duration and the incumbent has formally appealed that decision. The city council is scheduled to hear the appeal either May 15 or May 26, according to a spokesman for the city. The second half of the job consists of a 6-mile, 22-ft-diameter tunnel and pipe on the east bank of the Willamette River. Construction for the approximately $500-million contract will be finished in 2011, according to Linc Mann, a city spokesperson.