|
A History of not caring what the community wants or needs, incompetence, disingenuousness, overbuilding and too expensive, is repeating itself once again with MDOT and the construction of critical highways on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Both the Biloxi Bay Bridge on U.S. 90, that connects to Ocean Springs and the Bay St. Louis Bridge that connects Pass Christian County to Bay St. Louis had the roadbeds lifted off the abutments, leaving both bridges shut down. The I 10 Causeway across Lake Ponchatran was damaged similarly. However, the Louisiana Department of Transportation had one lane of the 5.4 mile causeway functional in 47 days by reusing the existing pilings. Contrast that with MDOT’s getting the critical Highway 90 bridges functional in Mississippi.
As you read the following details, reflect on whether or not the MDOT actions are reminiscent of its actions on the Gulfport and Biloxi Connectors. It is the same song, second verse. Listen and see if you agree.
Design Build-Six-Lane, Dual-Span, High-Rise Bridge
A SUN HERALD news article dated 10/1/05, titled, “$200M bridge for bay planned,” revealed the following information:
By early 2007, motorists will be using a six-lane, dual-span, high-rise bridge to cross the Biloxi Bay between Oceans Springs and Biloxi, says Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown.
Brown said…the Mississippi Department of Transportation is expected to award a bid in either late November or early December to build the bridge to replace the current drawbridge…
He said the project is estimated at $200 million…
Brown said the U.S. 90 project will be bid as a design-build which means the winning company and its engineers will design and build the bridge.
“We expect to have one span completed in 12-14 months and the other one to two months later,” said Brown.
A SUN HERALD news article dated 10/27/05, titled, “MDOT seeking repair money,” reveals the following:
MDOT officials will testify, hats in hands, before a House subcommittee in Washington today. The state transportation department’s coffers are pretty bare these days. “We’ve spent a lot of money and have some big bills on the way,” said…Wayne Brown.
He’ll tell congressmen the state needs $695 million to pay for some work that’s already completed, some that’s already been started and some big projects that will get under way soon…
But the biggest part of the eye-popping request comes down the line, with the rebuilding of the U.S. 90 bridges over Biloxi Bay and the Bay of St. Louis. Brown estimates it will cost the state $300 million next year and $100 million in 2007.
Four firms were selected earlier this week to bid on the contracts to design and build the two bridges. Two of them-G.C. Constructors from Kansa City, Mo., and Granite Archer Weston from Watsonville, Calif., are bidding on both projects.
Boh Brothers Construction from Baton Rouge is bidding on the Bay of St Louis bridge. American Bridge from Orlando, Fla., and Hill Brothers from Falkner are teaming up for a bid on eh Biloxi Bay bridge.
The bids will be opened in mid-December. (See above previous discussion of Design Build) 18 |
