After nearly four years of work,
the Benicia-Martinez Bridge retrofit is nearing completion. The project
was originally bid at $89,000,000 and 1,025 days. Change orders increased
the duration to over $115,000,000 and 1,445 days. Much of the staff (including
project manager Ian Sunderland) has moved on to other job sites, primarily
Cooper River in South Carolina. FCI North's Mike Costa has taken over the
reins for closeout and completion.
A few lifts of wall concrete remain to finish the pier wall thickening,
which was delayed by redesigns of the footing. Frequent rains have also
set back the schedule this winter, but the work is still scheduled for completion
well before the contract completion date of June 8, 2002. A recently completed
retrofit of the expansion joint allows the bridge to move up to six feet
in any direction during an earthquake without significant damage. Congratulations
to the Benicia team for a job well done. |
