The Department of Transportation & Works awarded the US$40 million contract to HJ O’Connell Construction, which beat two other bidders.

There had been only one bidder when the scheme was first advertised last year and so the work was re-tendered to ensure a competitive process. The successful bid is US$2.4 million lower than that received from the sole bidder in 2012.

The contract award calls for the construction of a new vertical lift bridge and road approaches from Placentia and Jerseyside. It also includes the removal of the existing Sir Ambrose Shea Lift Bridge.

The government of Canada is contributing $8 million to the project. Work is expected to begin in the spring and will take three years to complete.