Bridge Bundling Design-Build Pilot Program

Approximately 800 bridges maintained by cities and counties across Michigan are in serious or critical condition, but the necessary repairs come with a hefty price tag. With an estimated $2 billion required to get all state-owned bridges up to good or fair condition, and another $1.5 billion to do the same for all local agency-owned bridges, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) engaged a design-build team to pilot a local agency bridge bundling program.

MDOT has used the concept to maintain state-owned bridges for years, but now the agency is using it for 19 city or county-owned bridges through a bundle with contractors. Bundling projects together under the same contract helps address the immediate need for bridge projects and makes them more cost-effective by expediting construction and streamlining the permitting process.

This particular contract is part of MDOT’s mission to deliver a bridge bundling program that ensures public safety to Michigan residents, travelers, and visitors, resulting in sustained improvements to the state’s local bridge system.

Benesch is serving as the lead design firm for the pilot program and is working with two contractors, CA Hull and Anlaan, to deliver the work. The pilot program includes 19 local agency-owned bridges around the state with major bridge elements in serious or critical condition. The scope of work for these bridges is superstructure replacement, which includes full removal and replacement of the bridge deck and supporting beams. These bridges have 60 or 90-day construction durations.