Tight Labor Market Limits Bids for Rockford Road Bridge Project
Only one bid came into the city of Plymouth for replacing the Rockford Road/County Road 9 bridge over Interstate 494. The bid was also higher than expected due to the increased number of large Twin Cities projects currently underway like the Southwest Light Rail Line.
The interchange project is a priority for the city of Plymouth. The legislature allocated $9.72 million toward the project that will replace the bridge and enhance lanes at the busy interchange.
The project went out for bids on May 1 and Lunda Construction Co. submitted the lone bid. The bid came in higher than expected, as the engineer’s estimate was $11.92 million and the Lunda bid was $13.5 million. Staff members say the bid came in higher than expected due to the increased number of large Twin Cities projects currently underway like the Southwest Light Rail Line. The tight labor market and the aggressive schedule for the project were also contributing factors.
Lunda Construction Co. specializes in bridges and built the Crosstown Commons Project and the Lowry Ave. Bridge over the Mississippi River.
If all goes as planned, construction could begin right after Memorial Day. The bridge will be closed July through September.
To keep up with the project and expected detours, the city of Plymouth has developed a webpage for commuters and residents.
