The Key West Citizen

Four Concrete Bridges Included In Extension Work On Highway

Bids For Proposed Construction As Outlined Will Be Returnable On March 20 Overseas Highway construction for which the state road department is asking bids will include four concrete bridges between Big Pine and Ramrod Keys, it was revealed today.

An advertisement in The Citizen tomorrow will ask for bids on the construction job, returnable March 20.

The work, under a federal aid project, will include construction of the bridges and approaches over the old railroad viaducts between the two keys. The entire project will cover about half a mile, including both bridges and approaches, but it will eliminate a drive of about seven miles over the "dog leg" now existing on Big Pine Key.

Bids must be in the hands of the state road department by 10 a. m. on the morning of March 20.

Under the terms outlined by the road department, contractors must submit bids for the construction of four concrete and steel I-beam span bridges with approach slabs. A certified check for $6,000 must accompany the bids and the checks of the three low contractors will be deposited.

Skilled workmen on the job will be paid a minimum of $1 per hour, with 60 cents for intermediate labor and 40 cents for unskilled labor.

Exactly when work will begin is not known here, but it is expected to start sometime next month.

In addition to the shortening of the total road length over the keys, construction of the bridges will eliminate the congestion caused by the two wooden bridges now in use and will also erase the danger of fire.

It is understood here the work will be paid for by an even split of state and federal funds with the county not participating.