Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q: Who is the contractor for the Safe & Sound Bridge Design Build Project?
A: KTU Constructors, a Joint Venture. The team is lead by joint venture partners Kiewit Western Co., Traylor Bros., Inc. and United Contractors, Inc. KTU Constructors has contracted with partners HNTB Corporation and the LPA Group for design of the replacement bridges.
Q: How is the Safe & Sound project funded?
A: The design-build contract amount is $487 million. The total cost of the Safe & Sound program is approximately $700 million. MoDOT will sell GARVEE bonds to pay for the project, with 24 annual payments of approximately $50 million each. MoDOT plans to use one-third of the Federal bridge replacement funds it receives each year to make those payments.
Q: What highway/interchange improvements are included in the contract?
A: The project involves complete replacement of 554 bridges, most of which are located on rural roads. The bridges are located all throughout the State of Missouri.
Q: When will construction start?
A: Work began on the first four bridges in late 2009.
Q: When will the project be finished?
A: All 554 bridges will be complete by December 31, 2013.
Q: Will the existing bridges be closed to traffic?
A: For each of 493 bridges on low volume routes the bridge will remain closed during construction. For each of the remaining 61 bridges the bridge will be closed, built in stages, or motorists will utilize bypasses to minimize impacts to travel.
Q: Will there be interchange/ramp closures?
A: No.
Q: What types of new bridges will be constructed?
A: Planning efforts anticipate a variety of bridge replacement strategies including the use of cored slabs, box beams, steel girders, flat slabs, and reinforced concrete box culverts.
Q: What will happen to the current bridges?
A: The existing bridges will be completely removed with many of the materials recycled for use on the new bridges or sent to material recycling firms.
Q: Do the new bridges include bicycle/pedestrian accommodations?
A: Most of the bridges are being built to accommodate two lanes of traffic, one in each direction. This phase of the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program focuses on replacing bridges that meet current standards for their intended use.
Q: Will there be any opportunity for public input on this project?
A: Yes. There will be a series of Community Briefings held in many towns and cities near where bridges are scheduled for replacement.
Q: Will there be any Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) requirements on the project?
A: There is a 7% (percent) DBE goal for this project.
Q: Please describe the workforce development component of the project.
A: KTU Constructors is committed to increasing the number of minorities, women and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals working on the Safe & Sound Bridge project. An on-the-job training program will be utilized on this project.
Q: Will construction affect any of Missouri's endangered species?
A: An extensive study has been conducted to identify cultural resources and endangered species. Construction schedules have been modified and notification protocols have been implemented to avoid disrupting or impacting cultural resources or endangered species.
Q: What is design-build?
A: The design-build delivery method was selected as a way to save time and money. Compared to the more "traditional" design-bid-build method where the design work is completed in its entirety before contractors bid on the job and then order materials and perform the work, the design-build method streamlines the process by enabling construction to begin before design work is complete. This helps minimize price escalation from rising material and labor costs, and facilitates faster project completion to help minimize inconveniences to the public.
Q: Will there be any subcontracting opportunities on this project?
A: Yes. KTU Constructors is looking forward to joining forces with the many contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers that have been serving MoDOT and Missouri motorists for years. Please visit our prequalification page for more information.
Q: Who do we contact to inquire about design opportunities?
A: Wayne Ellenberger
The LPA Group - Transportation Consultants
wlellenberger@lpagroup.com
Phone: 314.238.1321
Jim Peterson
HNTB Corporation
jpeterson@hntb.com
Phone: 816.600.3671
Q: Who do we contact to inquire about construction opportunities?
A: Will Koenig
KTU Constructors
william.koenig@kiewit.com
Phone: 816-600-3671
Q: How can I find out whether a bridge near where I live will be affected?
A: You can view the Form T Bridges or Form R Bridges affected, sorted by County.
Q: Where will the detours be?
A: You can view detour maps for any bridge on the MoDOT Detour Maps page.
Q: How long will each bridge be closed and the detour in place?
A: On average, each bridge will be closed for forty-five (45) days. Some bridges are closed for shorter durations and some for longer, but the average is forty-five (45) days. The anticipated closure time for a bridge located near you can be determined at the Community Briefing in your area.
