One of the tallest bridges in the U.S. is about to receive an extensive seismic upgrade, including 2.2 million lb of structural steel. Bids open on Sept. 7 for a $71-million seismic retrofit for the 1970s-era Foresthill Bridge in Auburn, Calif. At 730 ft tall and 2,428 ft long, its retrofit will pose dizzying challenges to the selected contractor.
“We are garnering a lot of interest from contractors,” says Ken Grehm, director of public works for owner Placer County. Grehm has led more than 100 contractors on pre-bid tours of the site. Companies that have expressed interest include an American Bridge and Fluor Corp. joint venture, California Engineering, Golden Gate Bridge Inc., Skanska USA, Teichert Readymix and William P. Young Construction.