Cost of Placentia bridge nearly 20 per cent higher than contracted

The cost to construct a new vertical lift bridge and remove the landmark crossing that has served Placentia for more than a half-century is nearly $8 million more than the contracted price announced three years ago, the provincial government has confirmed.

• Placentia's lift bridge out of commission for time being

The new Liberal government says the bill for the projectwill come in at more than $48 million.

That's nearly 20 per cent more than the $40.6 million contract awarded by the former PC government toH.J. O'Connell three years ago.

Transportation and Works Minister Al Hawkins said Tuesday that's because costs for professional services nearly $6 million were not factored into the construction contract.

"I'm not the minister that made decisions on that, but from the briefing that I received, there was additional money that was in a different pocket ... for external consulting, for project management, design of the bridge. I think that allotted to around $5.6 million," he said.

What's more, Hawkinssaid, actual construction costs swelled to about $42 million.

"I had absolutely no input into how that would have worked," said Hawkins, who was named a minister in the cabinet of Premier Dwight Ball last fall.

"It's unfortunate for me to have to deal with these issues," he added.

The recent provincial budget included some $9.3 million to complete the bridge project.

Bridge lifts about 2,400 times each year

The existing Sir Ambrose SheaLift Bridgeopened in 1961 andprovides a vital link between the amalgamatedcommunities of Placentia and Jerseyside.

But it's well past its life expectancy and has required constant maintenance.

The specialized lift bridge allows for vessels based in Northeast Arm to reach the fishing grounds in Placentia Bay, and the30 metre span rises about 2,400 times a year.

Efforts to replace the bridge haven't been easy.

A former PC government cancelled a tender call in 2011 after the lone bid came in at more than twice what government had expected.

The project finally got moving three years ago, with H. J. O'Connell beating out two other companies with a bid of $40.6 million.

A government news release at the time made no mention of the additional costs for external consultants, design and project management.

Work is progressing as scheduled, and the impressive new bridge is set to open this summer, likely in August.

Mayor relieved completion is near

Placentia Mayor Wayne Power said it's unfortunate the project costs have escalated, but added thatarea residents are relieved the new bridge will soon be operational.

"When we see this newstructurefinally coming in place after a lot of lobby and a lot of waiting, it's a great sign to see," said Power.

"What'sgoingto be a main connection in thetransportationnetwork in our town isgoingto be fully refreshed."

Power said a strict weight restriction on the bridge, along with regular closures in order to accommodate emergency repairs, have "interferred with our community."

The opening of the newbridge will be a big deal for the town, and there are some big celebrations in the works, said Power.

As for a name, Power has been told it won't change, and former politician and business leaderAmbrose Shea will continue to be the crossing's namesake.