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Abernathy Bridge shows major progress but ODOT warns of schedule delay and higher oversight costs
Summary
ODOT told commissioners the I‑205 Abernathy Bridge project is more than 70% complete but faces growing schedule delays; the contractor is showing up to 205 days behind the accepted schedule and ODOT is pursuing mitigation including liquid shims, added jacking locations and scope adjustments while warning of increased inspection cost and potential liquidated damages.
ODOT returned to the commission on March 12 with a construction update for the I‑205 Abernathy Bridge, reporting significant onsite progress but material schedule risk.
Area manager Vidal Francis and project leads described completed elements — drilled shafts, concrete piers and placement of major steel girders — and said the project is about 70% complete. "This is a very significant milestone," Francis said of recent girder deliveries. But project delivery staff warned of schedule slippage. Construction management reported the contractor's accepted schedule shows about 205 days of delay compared with the settlement completion date; ODOT said it has not accepted some later contractor schedule submissions and has used payment withholding to obtain an accepted plan.
Project staff described mitigation steps intended to recover time: authorizing liquid shims to speed sole‑plate fit‑up; allowing simultaneous jacking at multiple locations; removing nonessential scope that sits on the critical path; and substituting weather‑sensitive overlays with alternatives to avoid weather delays. Ryan, ODOT project delivery, noted the agency is evaluating potential additional contractor claims while also expecting higher inspection, consultant and lease costs if construction extends. "The best thing we can do for the overall project is to reduce the duration," he said.
Commissioners asked for regular updates; staff said they will meet the dispute review board in May and return with a refined schedule and budget estimate in June. ODOT also reminded the commission it can assess liquidated damages if delays are contractor responsibility — a contractual remedy the agency said is available but has not yet invoked.
