March 1, 2024

By Lane Kimble

Contractors interested in showing the potential benefits of Design-Build can demonstrate that desire to WisDOT over the next month.

This week, WisDOT opened a request for letters of interest (LOI) to use Design-Build to repair concrete pavement and bridges along Highways 29 and 51 in Wausau.  Work would include repairing joints, replacing slabs, and milling and overlaying asphalt.  WisDOT anticipates using the Fixed Price-Variable Scope Design-Build method for the work.

The Department is in the midst of a multi-year pilot study to analyze Design-Build. It began in 2019, but so far only one project (a box culvert replacement along Highway 125 near Appleton) has been completed, seen at-right.

WTBA has organized a Design-Build work group to offer WisDOT additional information and guidance on the method. The group is set to meet again this month.

Companies with interest in the Marathon County project are encouraged to submit an LOI, however it is not mandatory.

The deadline to submit an LOI is April 5, 2024.