By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO. – The Missouri Department of Transportation has delayed awarding contracts to replace or repair over 800 of the state's worst bridges until fall.
Bob Brendall of MODOT's Safe & Secure Bridge Improvement program says the unusually large size of a required performance bond is to blame.
"This project involves an initial 5-year construction period, followed by a 25-year maintenance period, and a performance bond of that size and that length simply is not available in the marketplace," Brendall said.
Brendall says one possible solution would be for lawmakers to clarify what a company's bonding level and length of time would be.
Over 800 bridges in Missouri have been marked for repair.
The estimated cost ranges from $400-600-million.