Rejecting a sole bid that came in too high, California agency makes changes for Bay crossing
In an effort to cut costs and boost competition on its $2.6-billion San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge project, the California Dept. of Transportation is changing bid requirements and scheduling. In a controversial move, the agency also is allowing potential bidders to use foreign steel.
Last month, a joint venture of Kiewit Pacific, FCI Constructors Inc. and Manson Construction Co. submitted a $210-million foundation bid that came in 63%, or about $85 million, over estimate, says Dan McElhinney, chief of the toll bridge construction program for Caltrans. Caltrans will rebid the contract for the 530-ft-tall tower foundation and support structures that tie the suspension bridge deck into the Skyway approach span. Kiewit Pacific officials could not be reached for comment by press time.