(Most recent WSDOT video simulation of the tunnel – from October 2010)
The apparent winning bid has been chosen from the two submitted for the tunnel that the state wants to build to replace the central section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. According to transportation reporter Mike Lindblom‘s story at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner), the bidder, Seattle Tunnel Partners, says they could finish sooner than the state asked – and can build the tunnel a bit wider. The state has just sent its official news release – it’s not online yet so far as we can tell, but we’ve got it after the jump:
Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced that Seattle Tunnel Partners submitted to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) the apparent best-value proposal to design and build the SR 99 bored tunnel. The tunnel is the preferred alternative for replacing the seismically unsafe Alaskan Way Viaduct along Seattle’s waterfront.
Both teams submitted proposals in October that were below the contract price limit of $1.09 billion. Today, the technical scores of those proposals were combined with the bid prices, which were opened as part of a bid-opening event in downtown Seattle.
The design-build contract is expected to be awarded later this month. Design-build combines project design and construction in a single contract.
Seattle Tunnel Partners is a joint venture of Dragados USA and Tutor Perini Corp. The team also includes Frank Coluccio Construction, Mowat Construction, HNTB Corp. and Intecsa. Their bid price is $1,089,700,002, and technical credits totaled 71,577,000. The combined apparent best-value score is 1,018,123,002.
“Both teams submitted proposals that demonstrate this project can be delivered on time and within budget, and went above and beyond in offering creative ideas. It’s time to get to work,” said Gov. Gregoire. “This project will support family-wage jobs and help create a world-class waterfront. It’s the only option that keeps the existing viaduct open to traffic during construction, which is good for businesses, the Port of Seattle and commuters.”
Major items contained in the design-build request for proposals included acquisition of a tunnel boring machine; boring the tunnel; and building the road within the tunnel with ventilation, and emergency and electrical systems. The contract will also cover construction of two operations buildings, mitigation for tunnel settlement and construction of tunnel portals. Most of the work will be performed as a lump-sum, fixed-price bid.
“I want to thank both teams for submitting high-quality proposals. While lowest price is typically the winner, this time we considered both price and the team’s approach to schedule, design and other factors,” said Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. “The price from Seattle Tunnel Partners was slightly higher, but our evaluation of their technical approach found it will deliver the best apparent value to WSDOT and taxpayers.”
There were up to 100 million technical credits, in the form of dollars, which could be earned by each team in the areas of overall management, schedule, tunnel roadway clearances, management of tunneling and ground deformation, and design and construction other than tunneling.
The Seattle Tunneling Group submitted a bid price of $1,088,302,002. Technical credits came to 38,152,000. Their combined apparent best-value score was 1,050,150,002.
Total cost of the proposed bored tunnel is estimated to be $1.96 billion. This includes design, right-of-way acquisition, construction management, and more than $200 million set aside for risk. Also included in the $1.96 billion are separate, future construction contracts for roadway connections at the north and south ends of the tunnel.
The proposed bored tunnel is currently under environmental review. A Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that analyzes the bored tunnel alternative is available for public review on the program website. The EIS comment period ends Dec. 13.
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