Eight construction firms indicated interest in replacing Boca Grande's antique Swing Bridge in a mandatory pre-bid meeting held Tuesday at the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority administration room.
GIBA Executive Director Jim Cooper was pleased at the turnout.
"That's a full field," he said.
Article Photos
Jim Cooper
The firms have until 1 p.m. Oct. 29 to submit a price proposal on a contract to build the new Swing Bridge and tear down the old one, which was finished in 1958. The bridge is now functionally obsolete with significant water scouring issues undermining its structural integrity.
All bids will be opened at 9 a.m. Oct. 31 at the GIBA administration room and the GIBA Selection Committee will discuss the relative merits before awarding the bid. A notice to proceed with building the bridge is not expected to be awarded until June 2013.
The full report on the pre-bid meting will be published in Thursday's edition of the Gasparilla Gazette.
Fact Box
To Go
What: GIBA workshop
When: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 30
Where: Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium
Why: Swing Bridge
Who: Open to the public
To Go
What: GIBA meeting
When: 9 a.m. Oct. 31
Where: GIBA admin room
Why: Swing Bridge bid openings
Who: Open to the public
To Go
What: GIBA Board meeting
When: 1:30 p.m. Nov. 2
Where: Boca Grande Community Center Woman's Club Room
Why: Award Swing Bridge contract
Who: Open to the public
