Contractors bid high for Rustic Bridge project

The Boone County Commission has now heard bids from contractors for the Rustic Road Bridge, but a new bridge might not be any closer to being completed.

The fate of the bridge has been up in the air for about five years. At last Thursday’s Boone County Commission meeting, four contractors bid on the project. However, all the bids were at least $75,000 more than the county engineers’ estimate for the project.

Boone County officials said the high bids could be blamed on the season. They said contractors have more than enough work on the books this time of year, consequently, it’s not a discount price market.

Boone County has built a temporary bridge for vehicles heavier than three tons. But after years of having the dilapidated bridge, residents said they’re just anxious to have a permanent fix to the problem.

Boone County officials said the bids are being evaluated and they have a month to make a decision.