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Monroe County approves negotiations to restart Duck Key bridge work after $8.1 million bid; harbor bridge faces delays
Summary
County staff told commissioners a $8.1 million proposal from Southern Road & Bridge could restart construction on the CV bridge; the county will negotiate with the contractor and seek surety participation. The Harbor Bridge remains behind schedule pending delivery and transport of oversized precast arch beams; a 35‑day change order and a new
Monroe County commissioners on Jan. 15 authorized staff to negotiate a contract with Southern Road & Bridge to resume work on a terminated bridge contract in the Duck Key area, following a cost proposal the county received late the previous evening.
Lede facts: County staff said Southern Road & Bridge submitted a cost proposal of $8,100,000 to complete the remaining work on the terminated CV (Bimini/Seabury) bridge contract. The county has approximately $3,000,000 left under the original contract; the surety bond is expected to cover the difference subject to the surety’s review and any prior payments the surety already has made.
Why it matters: The bridges (Bimini, Harbor, CV/Seabury) are critical local infrastructure for Duck Key and surrounding neighborhoods. The county said the new offer and the surety process provide a way to finish work without further long delays, but the schedule and ultimate cost remain contingent on legal negotiation with the surety and transport logistics for large structural beams.
Key details from staff briefing and public record: - Cost proposal: Southern Road & Bridge — $8,100,000 (staff description of the bid). - County funding context: about $3,000,000 remains on the original contract; the surety bond could make up the rest; staff does not know how much the surety has already paid out to date. - Next steps authorized by commission: negotiation with Southern Road & Bridge; if a contract can be negotiated before the next BOCC meeting, the board authorized the county administrator to execute the contract and present it for ratification at the following meeting. - Motion: Commissioner Raschein moved to authorize negotiations; Commissioner Lincoln seconded. The motion passed.
Harbor Bridge update and schedule changes: - The Harbor Bridge contractor is delayed while awaiting transport and delivery of precast arch beams cast in Tampa; the beams are larger than those used on the Bimini Bridge and require special transport and DOT permits. Transporters initially declined; one transporter is now working with the contractor after permit filings. - The contractor will request a change order for time lost. Staff said the recommended change order totals 35 days (including seven days for two hurricanes and additional days for unforeseen subsurface conditions). That change order would move the contract completion date to April 15, 2025; the contractor’s estimated practical completion (assuming beams arrive soon) is July 11, 2025. - Staff warned of necessary road closures and logistics when the oversized beam transport occurs and said it would provide advance notice to residents.
Public outreach and staff notes: - Staff commended project manager Clark Briggs for responsiveness and for working with contractors during nights and weekends. - Kristen Livingood was thanked for community updates.
Next steps and implementation risk: The county must complete negotiation with the surety and Southern Road & Bridge, secure DOT transport permits for oversized loads, and finalize change-order administration. Staff characterized implementation risk as medium to high while transport and surety negotiation are unresolved.
Source: Monroe County BOCC meeting transcript, Jan. 15, 2025; staff presentation and public discussion.
