Seattle’s South Park Bridge Construction & Final Bid

After accepting bids for the new South Park Bridge for several months, the lowest bidder was revealed yesterday as being Kiewit Massman for $96 million (plus some change). The county estimated the project would cost $98-108 million dollars. Stated as being an “excellent bid” by King County Executive Dow Donstantine – I’m not entirely convinced. We do have a history with the Massman Construction Company, however, they helped build the West Seattle Bridge.  That does give them some brownie points in my opinion since we have worked with them before.  Obviously their bid ($96 million) by Kiewit Massman should raise some flags. Are they really that good to have placed a bid just under our cost expectations or did someone secretely spill the beans. Will they just add on the extra 10 million or so later and call it cost over runs. We will see about that.