LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A major step towards re-opening the Sherman Minton Bridge will be taken today when the Indiana Department of Transportation announces the company that will be repairing the bridge, the projected price tag, and exactly how long it should take.
The nightmarish commute won't end anytime soon, but there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. The Indiana Department of Transportation is set to announce the contractor that will be fixing the bridge. Once that happens, the repair work will begin as soon as possible.
"There's been a lot of work taking place behind the scenes to get where we are on the verge of opening bids and starting repair," said INDOT spokesperson Will Wingfield.
Since the Sherman Minton was ordered closed by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels on Sept. 9, INDOT has faced intense scrutiny from residents and politicians on both sides of the river.
"There is absolutely no understating the significance of the repairs, and the need to get this bridge back in service," Congressman John Yarmuth said Monday.
INDOT says because of the significance of the Sherman Minton Bridge closure, and the effect it's having on commuters, the bid process has been accelerated. Technically, bids weren't being accepted until this morning, but officials say they already held a pre-bid meeting with interested contractors last month, and they'll be able to make a decision quickly.
"Sometimes it takes up to two weeks to review the bids and award a final contract," Wingfield said. "We're trying to do that in a matter of hours."
Officials still think the repairs can be completed in six months at a cost of twenty $20 million. After the contract is awarded, the clock will officially be ticking.
INDOT says there will be incentives for the contractor to finish the repairs in less than six months.
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