The Meridian City Council voted to award a $2,182,349.99 contract to Chris Albritton Construction Company Inc. to replace the Grand Avenue Bridge and approaches, city staff said.

City engineering staff told the council that Engineering Plus designed the bridge and solicited bids; two bids were received and the lowest responsive bid was from Chris Albritton Construction. "This is 100% funded by MDOT. It's through the ERBR, emergency road and bridge repair program," a city engineering official said.

Project details and timeline: Staff said the existing structure — built in 1959 and currently weight‑limited — carries more than 1,100 vehicles per day. The work is estimated to take about 120 working days. Staff said the notice to proceed will be issued after contract award and final signatures; work is expected to begin within a few weeks after that administrative step.

Funding and procurement: Staff said the project is within the MDOT grant amount and city funds are not expected to be required. The contract was identified as bid number 25‑27 in council materials.

Vote: The council moved, seconded and approved the award by voice vote; the transcript records the motion as carried with an "Aye" vote and no opposition.

Next steps: Contract execution and issuance of a notice to proceed were described as the immediate administrative steps after council approval.