Commission approves $25M increase for I‑205 Abernathy bridge amid concerns about contractor performance

The Oregon Transportation Commission approved a $25,000,000 increase in construction authorization for the I‑205 Abernathy Bridge Phase 1a project to fund rising fuel costs, an owner's‑representative contract and extended ODOT inspection and administration through the contractor’s revised schedule.

Project staff told commissioners that the contract is roughly 80% complete based on payments but that contractor schedule slips, steel‑fabrication issues and the as‑yet unstarted main‑span expansion joint could put the completion date as late as fall 2027. Staff said the $25M request covers three items: $1.5M for fuel escalation, $2.5M for an owner's‑rep consultant to supplement inspection and contract administration, and $21M to cover ODOT staff and consultant costs for an anticipated 14 months of additional oversight beyond the contract completion date. The motion to increase authorization passed on voice vote.

Commissioners used the discussion to press staff about contractor performance and accountability. One commissioner said, "We obviously have to finish the contract. I'm not happy with them," and Chair Brown and others repeatedly asked whether contract tools—liquidated damages and recovery schedule enforcement—were being used. Staff replied the contract contains liquidated damages (approximately $72,000/day after the contractor’s LD holiday) and that ODOT is actively applying schedule and performance pressure while retaining the contractor to finish the work.

The decision preserves continuity for the remaining work (soil stabilization and a multi‑year plant establishment period) and keeps the project on a path toward completion while staff continue to monitor performance, update cost‑risk estimates and bring additional funding requests if needed.