SNC-Lavalin awarded Florida bridge construction engineering and inspection contract

SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business has been selected as prime consultant under a contract for more than US$36 million to provide construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the new Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa, Florida.

This is one of the first projects to kick off the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) multi-billion-dollar Tampa Bay Next program and the largest CEI services contract for Atkins’ business in North America.

The new Howard Frankland Bridge will be an eight-lane bridge crossing Tampa Bay just west of downtown Tampa. With an estimated construction cost of US$814 million, the new 4.1-mile span will accommodate four general purpose lanes, four express lanes (two in each direction) and a shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition, the two northbound express lanes will support future rail transit.

“Modern infrastructure is key in improving safety and efficiency in transportation,” said George Nash, CEO, Atkins, North America. “Replacing a 58-year-old bridge with a modernized, multimodal one will help reduce congestion and ease travel, so this coastal region can continue to thrive in the future. We’re proud to be working with FDOT on this important project.”

Prior to bridge construction, Atkins will provide construction oversight for interim operational improvements along I-275 from south of SR 60 to south of Lois Avenue, providing additional interstate lanes from the north end of the bridge toward downtown Tampa.