Contractor's System Project Question and Answer Forum

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Submitted: Thursday 09-JUL-2026 04:47 PM
Company: Hamilton Construction
Contact: Randy Burg
We have reviewed the documents for this project, and are very concerned about the published timeline/contract completion date of 10/29/27. With an NTP date of 10/05/26, and a mandatory winter shutdown from 11/15 - 4/15, we do not see any realistic way to complete this project in essentially one construction season. Questions/comments:
• Is the mandatory winter shutdown from 11/15-4/15 just a traffic shutdown (no impacts to traffic), or is it a winter shutdown with no work allowed? Posted information does not make this clear.
• Does MDT expect the contractor to build the foundations for the new bridge between the 10/5/26 NTP date and the 4/15/26 traffic date that would allow putting the crossover in place in order to start bridge removal. This seems very unrealistic based on the location and work involved.
• Has MDT reviewed the temporary work access considerations that would impact building the new foundations through the 2026/2027 winter months? Permitting information says the only permits that have been obtained are the permits for the permanent bridge. Any permits required for temporary work access (Section 33 of the 404 permit) must be obtained by the contractor. These permits can take 90-120 days to obtain, which would preclude onsite work access for the new drilled shafts any earlier than approximately 1/01/27. Drilled shafts are well below OHW, and therefore access for the drilled shaft work will have to be permitted (as will access for the existing bridge foundation removal).
• Lead time on structural steel is at a minimum of 9 months, with many suppliers now saying big fabricated structural steel is over 12 months out. Assuming you could complete the foundations in the dead of the winter, switch traffic in mid-april and take out the existing bridge in april/may, an October completion date would tell you that you need steel by around 6/01/27. I have talked to multiple suppliers, and all say there is no way they could commit to that at this point. This is a very attractive bridge project. However, we feel the timeline on the job is not realistic for the location, late start for any 2026 work, and the lead time on materials based on current market conditions. We feel a much more realistic timeline would be more similar to the Clarks Fork/Old Hwy 10 project that bid last fall. Work access and foundation construction in the 2027 construction season, with crossover/bridge demo/new superstructure taking place in the 2028 construction season, with a late October 2028 completion date. You would still likely need the 15 days in 2029 to complete final paving/striping/etc.
Answer
Submitted: Friday 17-JUL-2026 11:15AM
The completion date is hereby changed to November 26,2027.  It is MDT’s intention that the contractor will develop the construction access and build the pier foundations during the winter period of 2026/2027 while not impacting interstate traffic. Cross-over traffic will be allowed no earlier than March 29th, 2027, or an earlier date as agreed upon with the project manager if weather forecasts are conducive to traffic being crossed over.  Special Provisions # 2, # 3, and # 4 are hereby revised: LINK
 

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Submitted: Tuesday 14-JUL-2026 10:23 AM
Company: Wadsworth Brothers Construction
Contact: Mark MIller
Please provide all design files so the contractors can evaluate the temporary access needs and crane pads for substructure and superstructure construction. MDT did provide these files on the similar project at Clark Fork-Old Hwy 10
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 09:54 AM
The design files for the requested project are posted here: DESIGN FILES
The requested files do not represent the staked project, but are only design files.  The Department cannot guarantee the accuracy of the electronic data, particularly as it may be called up by your computer, nor does any data in these files supersede the data in the contract documents.
In addition, the Department will not make any revisions to the electronic files pertaining to the staked project, change ordered work, or changes that are made during construction to fit field conditions.

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Submitted: Tuesday 14-JUL-2026 11:58 AM
Company: TrueNorth Steel
Contact: Tom Prill
The project award date and project completion date do not align. Currently plate to manufacture bridge girders has a 4 to 5 month lead time from the steel mills so fabrication shops would not even get the raw material for 4-5 months after the project is awarded. A combination of the project being awarded by mid-August along with the project completion date being extended will be necessary.
Answer
Submitted: Friday 17-JULY-2026 11:31AM
Please see the answer to Question #1.

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Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 08:25 AM
Company: Sletten Construction
Contact: Russ Robertson
Would MDT reconsider their response to Question #1? Requiring the Contractor to complete the temporary access during the winter months introduces significant risk to the project. Constructing temporary access on steep embankments under potentially snowy and icy conditions presents serious safety concerns and will result in a loss of productivity due to shorter daylight hours and adverse weather. This concern is further compounded by the uncertainty surrounding permit approval timelines, which will directly impact when temporary access construction can begin. In addition, the Contractor will still be required to construct the crossovers in the spring. Historically, spring crossover construction has often been constrained by weather conditions, resulting in extended construction durations and further delaying the overall project schedule. These delays could push the effective start of major construction activities well into 2027, making timely project completion extremely difficult, if not impossible. MDT should also reconsider the potential impacts associated with structural steel procurement and submittal approvals. Structural steel has become a critical path item on many bridge projects, and we have recently experienced structural steel submittal review and approval durations exceeding four months. If similar approval timelines occur on this project, the current schedule becomes near impossible to achieve. While extending the substantial completion date by one month provides some relief, it does not adequately mitigate the schedule, safety, permitting, weather, material procurement, and submittal review risks identified above. Under the current schedule, the Contractor remains fully exposed to disincentive/liquidated damages should any one or more of these critical-path activities be delayed, many of which are significantly influenced by factors outside the Contractor's control. We respectfully request that MDT reconsider its response and evaluate whether extending the completion date to 2028 is warranted to account for these known project risks and provide a realistic opportunity for successful project delivery.
Answer
Submitted: Friday 24-JUL-2026 12:25 PM
The response to Q&A #1 will remain unchanged.

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Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 10:49 AM
Company: Hamilton Construction
Contact: Casey Shaw
What allowances are there for closures of Sawmill Gulch Road during the project? At the very least, lane closures will be needed often and short-term full closures needed to safely demo both superstructure and substructure elements adjacent to the roadway, as well as during girder set times.
Answer
Submitted: Friday 24-JUL-2026 03:10 PM
Single lane traffic will be allowed on Sawmill Gulch Road. Short-term full closures will be allowed for substructure and superstructure demo elements as well as girder set times on Sawmill Gulch Road and eastbound on-ramp to I-90. Coordinate with residents that are affected by this closure and provide a plan that maintains reasonable access to their properties throughout the duration of work. Submit the access plan and/or detour to the project manager for review and approval prior to implementing any full closure.

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Submitted: Sunday 26-JUL-2026 10:38 PM
Company: Battle Ridge Builders
Contact: Cody Ham
We are under the impression that Federally funded projects contract time is to be based on an engineering evaluation and should be sufficient for a contractor using ordinary methods and reasonable resources per FWHA Time Determination Guidelines. Is this evaluation available for the contractors review? These guidelines also mention if "contract time is insufficient bid prices may increase and contractor claims may result" and that "contract time should be based on realistic production rates and project-specific constraints."
This schedule restricts competition to only very large contractors willing to go into damages. Add in local resources being sapped by a similar project right down the road all next year and steel delays that are already apparent on much smaller contracts, not to mention coordinating work side by side with a competing contract. If some form of written guidelines were used to develop this schedule how is this schedule half as long as the Alberton Gorge project which is very similar? We request the state increase this schedule thru the 2028 season to allow reasonable time to construct, perhaps a incentive could be used to help shorten the contract from there.

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Submitted: Monday 20-JUL-2026 08:31 AM
Company: Riverside Contracting, Inc.
Contact: Cale Fisher
The digout sequencing in SP 3 would require storing the HiMA binder in tanks for an extended period of time in order to pave the first lift of pavement to progress to the next digout. There are some concerns with storing the HiMA binder for the time required to complete all of the digouts due to its stability and temperature requirements. Will MDT consider changing the binder for the first lift of pavement at the digout locations.
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 23-JULY-2026 02:42PM
Use the added bid item COMMERCIAL MIX-1/2 IN-PG 58V-34 to place the bottom 0.30 feet of plant mix for the dig-out sections.

Bid item 401 020 162 COMMERCIAL MIX-1/2 IN-PG 58V-34, quantity of 5,105 TON, will be added by amendment.

Bid item 401 020 041 PLANT MIX SURF 1/2 IN-HIMA has been decreased to 32,327 tons.
Bid Item 402 020 098 ASPHALT BINDER PG 76E-34 has been decreased to 2,358 tons.
Bid item 401 020 300 HYDRATED LIME has been decreased to 481 tons.

An amendment will be issued, updated bid files will be posted. UPDATED SHEETS 8 AND 9
 

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Submitted: Monday 20-JUL-2026 02:27 PM
Company: Sletten Construction
Contact: Ian McIntosh
Can mechanical milling be used to remove the bridge decks to a shallower depth prior to performing the final concrete removal with hydro demolition?
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 10:52 AM
Mechanical milling will not be allowed. Please bid as advertised.

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Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 08:35 AM
Company: Thomas Industrial Coatings
Contact: Will Glaus
Do you have any photos of the abutments and ground conditions on these project that have bearing cleaning and coating work?

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Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 02:20 PM
Company: White Resources Group, Inc.
Contact: Estimation
How are the curb return fillets to be paid on sheets 11 and 22?
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 23-JUL-2026 09:15 AM
The removal and replacement of the curb return fillets for the 3 locations on sheets 11 and 22 will be paid for as MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS-SQYD.

The following bid item is hereby added to this project:
104030037 - MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS-SQYD – 13.5 SQYD

An amendment will be issued; updated bid files will be posted.

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Submitted: Monday 27-JUL-2026 07:28 AM
Company: Hollow Contracting, Inc
Contact: Cal Hollow
Would MDT be willing to issue a Notice to Proceed in 2026, allowing a portion of the project to be completed during the 2026 construction season?

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Submitted: Friday 10-JUL-2026 08:19 AM
Company: Century Companies Inc
Contact: Shane Nelson
With the current detour configuration it seems like there will be a need for temporary shoring in order to reduce the footprint of the pipe excavation and protect traffic. Will MDT add a bid item for temporary shoring or is there a bid item that the temporary shoring will be incidental to?
Answer
Submitted: Wednesday 15-JUL-2026 08:45 AM
No, MDT will not add a bid item for shoring.  Per Subsection 207.05 protective measures for culvert installation in trenches is included in the contract unit price per foot of pipe.  MDT will consider one lane detours with the appropriate traffic control measures incorporated for the safe and efficient flow of traffic through the work zone; include any costs for traffic control devices for one lane detours in the traffic control bid item.

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Submitted: Tuesday 14-JUL-2026 12:03 PM
Company: Century Companies Inc
Contact: Shane Nelson
Will bypass pumping of the creek be allowed under the permits currently held for this project or will the contractor need to attain additional permitting for this element of work?
Answer
Submitted: Wednesday 15-JULY-2026 08:46AM
Per the CWA404 special provision, the permanent features of this project are authorized under a US Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 3 – Maintenance. Depending on the means and methods, the contractor would obtain authorization for the temporary features of this project (e.g. work bridges, work pads, cofferdams, diversions, etc.) under a US Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 33 – Temporary Construction, Access, and Dewatering. For temporary discharges, submit a written description to the Project Manager detailing the temporary facilities planned for the project, along with the associated restoration plan.

Per the Stream Protection Act 124 special provision, the preconstruction SPA 124 Permit/Authorization does not cover the construction of temporary facilities such as work bridges, work pads, cofferdams, temporary detours, diversions, etc. Depending on means and methods, the contractor would obtain a temporary facility SPA 124 Permit/Authorization from FWP.

Also, please see section 208.03.3.C from the spec book: Construction De-Watering Permit. A Construction De-Watering General Permit Authorization is required for any construction activity that discharges sediment-laden water from the work area, such as cofferdams, trenches, excavation pits, or other work types identified in the permit, to state waters. Obtain authorization from the Water Protection Bureau, DEQ before discharging into any state waters. If sediment-laden water is land-applied and will not reach state waters, then a discharge permit is not required.
 

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Submitted: Thursday 16-JUL-2026 12:36 PM
Company: Sundt Construction
Contact: Joe Padon
Can the Geotech/Soil Survey/Surfacing Reports be made available along with the electronic files for the project.
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 10:20 AM
Linked are PDF Files of the available project alignment and/or structures geotechnical report(s), geotechnical report supplements, and geotechnical laboratory summaries. There is remaining geotechnical information that is voluminous and very difficult to compile in a concise manner. Contractors are welcome to come to MDT Headquarters to inspect rock samples taken for the project that are stored here or to look through the complete set of Geotechnical field investigation notes, laboratory testing, analytical, or other data in our project files. It should be noted that the project may have undergone significant changes during the design process after the original geotechnical report and supplements were issued. Thus, some of the information contained in these documents may be out of date or not applicable with regard to the advertised project. Some of the changes include, but are not limited to: Project splits (for funding, ROW issues, etc.) alignment and grade changes; and changes due to environmental factors (sensitive areas, etc.). The documents can be found at the following link: GEOTECH REPORTS

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Submitted: Friday 17-JUL-2026 10:42 AM
Company: Sundt
Contact: Joe Padon
Can the as-built drawings for the existing structures be made available
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 11:05 AM
The files linked below represent the as-built drawings for the structures.  MDT provides them for informational purposes only. They do not include drawings for modifications to the structures, such as joint replacements and guardrail revisions and may not completely represent current conditions.  Thus, some of the information contained in these documents may be out of date or not applicable with regard to the advertised project.  The contractor should not rely solely on the as-built drawings provided for bidding purposes nor does any data in these files supersede the data in the contract documents. AS-BUILTS

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Submitted: Friday 17-JUL-2026 03:31 PM
Company: Knife River Billings
Contact: Brandon Brown
Can you please provide the design files (CAD, XML, TIN) for the project.
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 21-JUL-2026 11:00 AM
The design files for the requested project are posted here: DESIGN FILES
The requested files do not represent the staked project, but are only design files.  The Department cannot guarantee the accuracy of the electronic data, particularly as it may be called up by your computer, nor does any data in these files supersede the data in the contract documents.
In addition, the Department will not make any revisions to the electronic files pertaining to the staked project, change ordered work, or changes that are made during construction to fit field conditions.

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Submitted: Friday 17-JUL-2026 05:25 PM
Company: SolarMax LED Inc.
Contact: Odalis Oliva
Can you please confirm if there would be an opportunity to submit lighting fixtures for review and pre-approval? Or will proposed fixtures be evaluated and approved after bid opening?
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 23-JULY-2026 12:43PM
Submittals for materials will not be reviewed or pre-approved prior to Contract award.  Ensure all lighting materials meet MDT’s Standard Specifications, Special Provision #68 HIGH EFFICACY LUMINAIRE LED, and Special Provision #69 UNDERPASS LUMINAIRE LED.
 

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Submitted: Monday 20-JUL-2026 03:15 PM
Company: Sundt Construction
Contact: Joe PADON
For the crossovers the job specs call out 3 pay items, Traffic Control Crossover, Traffic Control Two-Way Traffic and Traffic control. There is not a bid item for the Two-Way Traffic by the mile.
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 23-JULY-2026 02:12PM
The following Special Provision hereby replaces Special Provision #76 in the contract: CROSSOVER TRAFFIC CONTROL
The 2 bid items below are hereby added to the contract.
Bid Item #618030180 – TRAFFIC CONTROL-CROSSOVER – 4.0 EACH
Bid Item #618030190 – TRAFFIC CONTROL-TWO WAY TRAF – 2.0 MILES
An amendment will be issued, updated bid files will be posted.
Traffic Control outside of the crossovers will be included in the Traffic Control – LS bid item except for the signalized intersections detailed in Special Provision #79.  Payment for temporary traffic signals at the Johnson Lane/Old Hardin Road intersection and the Johnson Lane/Eastbound I90 Ramps intersection will be made at the contract unit price bid for MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS B-LS

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Submitted: Wednesday 22-JUL-2026 07:50 AM
Company: Sundt Construction
Contact: Joe PADON
Is there an electronic SUE file for the project limits?
Answer
Submitted: Friday 24-JUL-2026 02:50 PM
The requested file represents utility locations prior to relocation efforts that are currently taking place.  Please see Special Provision #17 (Status of Utilities) for more information on Utility relocation work.
The design files for the requested project are posted here: SUE FILES
The requested files do not represent the staked project, but are only design files.  The Department cannot guarantee the accuracy of the electronic data, particularly as it may be called up by your computer, nor does any data in these files supersede the data in the contract documents.
In addition, the Department will not make any revisions to the electronic files pertaining to the staked project, change ordered work, or changes that are made during construction to fit field conditions.

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Submitted: Friday 24-JUL-2026 02:47 PM
Company: The Lighting Agency North
Contact: Frank Dugas
On item 619 010 525 OVERHEAD CANTILEVER STRUCTURES are the wind dampeners actually sign blanks? Or are you looking for a true damper system similar to the Valmont TR1 system?

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Submitted: Friday 24-JUL-2026 03:02 PM
Company: The Lighting Agency North
Contact: Frank Dugas
Item #617 183 050 10-A-500-0 is shown as a simple pole with a single traffic signal mounted to it. Can you tell us what height the signal should be mounted at (and thus how tall the pole must be)?

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Submitted: Friday 24-JUL-2026 03:17 PM
Company: The Lighting Agency North
Contact: Frank Dugas
We are unable to locate the Typical Section information for sta. 203+07 or 115+67 where the OH Metal Sign Bridges are being installed. It is not listed on the Typical Section Guide or Summary or any of the actual Sections. Am I just missing it, or is it not listed on the plans? This affects the sizing of the sign bridge items.