The City has three bridges listed on the National Bridge Inventory which are subject to Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) biannual inspections.  Inspection reports are submitted to the City which include repair recommendations.

As a result of recent inspections, two of the City’s three bridges have been identified as requiring maintenance repairs.  The two bridges in need of repair are: Bridge No. 025003 (SW 1st Court serving Paradise Isle) and Bridge No. 025002 (SE 1st Court serving Palm Island). Both were constructed in 1960 and are the smaller of the three bridges.  The other City bridge is the Humpback Bridge on Kings Bay Drive which was constructed in 1991 and is in very good condition according to the latest FDOT inspection report.

Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (“GPI”) was engaged to develop plans and bid documents for the bridge rehabilitation construction project. The scope of work generally consists of concrete repairs, pumped grout at voids, grout mat installation for scour protection on the Paradise Isle bridge, and miscellaneous repairs  Bids were advertised on May 16, 2021, a pre-bid meeting was held on May 27, 2021, and bids were opened on June 14, 2021.  A robust response was enjoyed through the receipt of nine bids which ranged from a low of $158,767.00 to a high of $387,200.00 (see attached bid tabulation).  Bids received are:

General Caulkings & Coatings $158,767.00
Southern Road & Bridge $162,500.00
Certified Foundations $165,000.00
Tadeos Engineering $168,000.00
Daly & Zilch $184,500.00
E&D Contracting Services $217,640.00
American Empire Builders $219,500.00
M & J Construction Company $250,654.00
Bridge Masters Construction $387,200.00

The City’s engineering consultant GPI has reviewed the bids and recommends award to Southern Road & Bridge, LLC based on price, qualifications, and relevant similar experience.  Staff has also reviewed the bids and concurs with the engineer. GPI did not recommend award to low bidder General Caulkings & Coatings because the listing of projects completed did not include any bridge or other in-water work. This specialty work requires a contractor who is well versed in marine construction.  The recommended firm of Southern Road & Bridge (whose bid is only $3,733.00 higher than low bid), has extensive experience in this type of work.

Southern Road and Bridge is a Florida Certified General Contractor based out of Tarpon Springs which has completed numerous bridge rehabilitation projects throughout the Southeastern United States and is an FDOT pre-qualified contractor to perform such.  See attached bid response; copies of the bid documents (which include the plans and technical specifications), permit exemption letters, and/or other bid responses received are available upon request.