A decision was originally due to be taken in July but the JV consortium had agreed an extension until today (30 September) to give more time for the bid to be considered. But the state's legislative session ended on 27 August without agreeing on any measures to meet the increase in cost.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration intends to seek a less expensive alternative and state officials will now prepare a revised plan.

The bridge is needed as part of the state's toll bridge seismic retrofit programme.