Bridge construction completion pushed back

The city had originally projected work on the bridge to be completed by Sept. 8, but work on the southbound side took about three weeks longer than expected due to unforeseen repairs needed under the bridge.

“As we dug out the bad concrete it tended to go on and on and on and in some places it went straight through the entire sidewalk deck,” Hicks said.

He said work on the northbound side went twice as fast, with one-fifth less damage to repair.

When asked why one side might be worse than the other, Hicks said the theory is the southbound side is more exposed to the sun and therefore more prone to freezing and thawing during and after the winter months.

Mayor Greg Dionne told paNOW last December a “rental fee” would be included in the work agreement. If construction lasted longer than 120 days, the contractor would be fined $3,000 a day, but if completed early the city would pay-out $3,000 for every day ahead of schedule.

“That penalty clause still applies, every day late is a penalty,” Hicks said.

The exact penalty has not been determined at this point because the contractor was awarded more days when the extra damage was discovered.

Hicks anticipates having an exact figure when the work is done.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Bridge construction completion pushed back

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