WVDOH accepts bids for bridge replacements and other projects

Contracts to replace or upgrade two West Virginia bridges dating from the 1930s are among 17 projects included in a bid letting conducted by the West Virginia Division of Highways on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.

“We’re talking about bridges that are 90 years old,” said West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) State Bridge Engineer Tracy Brown, P.E. “The design life of most bridges is 75 years, so it’s good to get these older structures replaced or upgraded.”

Over the years, cars and trucks have gotten bigger and heavier. Replacing or upgrading older bridges ensures they can safely carry traffic for years to come.

Bridges to be replaced or upgraded include the Clifford Family Memorial Bridge on US 60 in White Sulfur Springs. Built in 1939, the bridge carries more than 7,000 cars a day.

The WVDOH also plans to replace the Fostoria Avenue Bridge in Moundsville. The bridge was built in 1936 and carries a 5-ton weight restriction.

The Sept. 13 bid letting included the following projects:

29^th Street Road paving. (Cabell County)
Cost Avenue and additional ADA ramp projects. (Harrison County)
Daniels to Grandview Road paving. (Raleigh County)
West Main Street ADA ramps, Grafton. (Taylor County)
North Street Carriage Way and additional ADA ramp projects. (Harrison and Marion counties)
Georgetown Road paving. (Lewis County)
District 6 guardrails.
Cove Road paving. (Hancock County)
Peach Tree Orchard to Muddlety paving. (Nicholas County)
Fostoria Avenue Bridge replacement. (Marshall County)
Clifford Family Memorial Bridge replacement (Greenbrier County)
White Oak Rail Trail lighting. (Fayette County)
Interstate 77 signage. (Mercer County)
Ralston Branch Bridge Number 2 replacement. (Wyoming County)
Parkersburg Pond Run Trail and Bridge paving. (Wood County)
Normantown to Glenville Road paving. (Gilmer County)
District 10 guardrails.

Several factors are considered before awarding a bid, including whether a bid falls above or below the WVDOH Engineer’s Estimate and by what percentage. In cases where a bid is above the Engineer’s Estimate, WVDOH must consider the project need, repercussions of not awarding the project, additional funding sources, and whether sufficient reasons exist for the differences in estimates. Most projects are reviewed, analyzed, and awarded within a week of the bid letting, but the process can take longer.

When the Division of Highways has a project that is determined to be best constructed by a contractor, it is processed through the bid letting system. A letting is a scheduled opportunity for contractors to review and bid on several construction projects at one time. Lettings are held either once or twice per month and conducted through the Bid Express System online at www.bidx.com and handled through the Contract Administration Division. Contractors need to subscribe to Bid Express before bids can be accepted on any project.

As the date and time approach the deadline of the letting, contractors are expected to place their bids, with complete documentation as necessary. Shortly after the letting, the respective bids are reviewed. All bids are evaluated thoroughly for competitiveness and deemed acceptable through guidelines as approved by policy, reviewed, and approved by the FHWA. Award of the contracts is made based on the recommendation by our Awards Committee based on the results that evaluation and approval by the Commissioner. Projects are typically awarded to the lowest bidder with all proper documentation in place.

WVDOH accepts bids for bridge replacements and other projects

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