Bridge bid error?

Dear Editor:

RE: Bridge rehabilitation to cause four-week road closure, May 22.

I read with concern the article on the Victoria Road bridge over the Speed River. Bridge rehabilitation is a serious endeavour and if not done properly can actually shorten the lifespan of the structure.

Wellington County staff recommending acceptance of a bid that is 35% below the high bid should indicate an error has been made.

This error will eventually be paid for by taxpayers, repairing shoddy workmanship or, worst case scenario, replacing the bridge.

I seem to recall this bridge being resurfaced not too long ago. Remember, you get what you pay for!

Keith McEwen,
Guelph

*Editor’s note: Large discrepancies in tender bids for such projects are not uncommon, particularly during the summer when companies are busy and some purposely inflate bid prices to reflect that reality. Accepting a much lower bid does not necessarily mean an “error” has been made.