Date:  Thursday, May 27, 2010

Contact: Kristy Van Ness, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-382-6361, 206-300-4312 (cell)
KaDeena Lenz, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-3836, 206-795-1876 (cell)

Proposals from design-build teams due in October

SEATTLE – WSDOT has released a request for proposals to three design-build teams to construct the proposed SR 99 bored tunnel in Seattle. The request for proposals describes the scope of the project and sets technical requirements that must be met by the contractors. The total contract value is expected to be between $1 billion and $1.2 billion.

“It’s time to move forward on this critical project. Seeking proposals now allows us to take advantage of the best construction bid climate in decades,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “We have already seen how the last four projects related to the Alaskan Way Viaduct have come in on budget -- and in some cases -- even below estimated costs. We have some of the best contractors in the world bidding on this project with national and international experience and I am confident we will end up with a final bid that offers the best value to the taxpayer and a successful, completed project that will keep this vital transportation corridor open for business.”

The major items contained in the request are the tunnel boring machine; tunnel boring; the road within the tunnel; ventilation, fire/life safety systems, and electrical systems; two operations buildings; tunnel settlement mitigation; and portal construction. The project includes a mix of lump-sum, unit bid, and shared contingency amounts. Most of the work is to be included in the lump-sum fixed price bid item.

“We have incorporated innovative ideas from the private sector that are the result of constructing similar tunnels around the world,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “We have also structured the majority of the contract as fixed price, which will help meet our goal to deliver the SR 99 bored tunnel within the established budget.”

WSDOT met with the three pre-qualified design-build teams to review the scope of work and contract terms contained in a draft request for proposals, which was released in February. Several changes were made to the request for proposals, including providing incentives to contractors to meet the Dec. 31, 2015, tunnel opening goal, and adding technical credits in the selection process for the contractors’ approach to management, schedule, and settlement mitigation.

The total cost of the proposed bored tunnel is expected to be $1.96 billion. This includes design, right of way, construction management, and $415 million set aside for risk and inflation. Also included in the $1.96 billion are separate construction contracts for roadway connections at the north and south ends of the tunnel.

For more information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement program, visit www.alaskanwayviaduct.org.

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