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Bridge lighting bid comes in at $3M
Published Tuesday, June 2, 2009
NATCHEZ — At $3 million, the Mississippi River Bridge lighting project is going to cost less than projected.
Bids were opened May 26 for the aesthetic and safety lighting of both bridges between Natchez and Vidalia.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation awarded the contract to Infra Source Underground in Illinois for nearly half of what Executive Director Larry L. “Butch” Brown expected.
“I think some estimates were as high as $6 million, six and a quarter,” he said. “We were tickled about (the bid.)”
Not only is he pleased by the price, but by the bidder, as well.
“Apparently this company has some experience and background in this work,” Brown said. “We’re happy we’ve got our bid.”
The joint project between MDOT, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and the City of Vidalia is projected to be completed by next spring.
Brown said he hopes construction will begin in a few weeks time.
“We have to get all the bid documents in place and contracts signed and give them a notice to proceed,” he said.
Lights will not only line the roadway, but they will also highlight the bridge’s structure, making its appearance visible at night.
Comments
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another great move,spending millions lighting up a town a city that,s quickly becoming a ghost town,While Vidalia grows more everyday.
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets see how much we can blow on the road projects and lighting the bridge to a dying city.
Posted by ghost (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The city of Vidalia is financing the whole entire project. Natchez/ Adams County is not contributing one cent to this. There was a story in the Democrat a week or so ago? about it.
Posted by xfloodman (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The way Brown is talking, one would think that he and the City of Natchez were contributing the majority of the money for the project. What about it "Butch"?
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on June 2, 2009 at 2:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Previous report in the ND: http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2009...
Looks like the price when up 2 million dollars, huh!
Posted by blacksheep (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why does the Democrat headline the word " NATCHEZ", it should say "VIDALIA".... and ...... stated that the MDOT awarded the contract to a Illinois company. That fine. But what needs to be done, is if Vidalia is going to food the dern bill, let them pick who is going to be awarded the monies. Heck, Mississippi didn't want to play, heck, step back and let the Louisiana men play, they don't mind taking the lead at all. Sounds like after Vidalia foots the bill on this, Natchez will want to take credit for something. If I'm spending my money, I will make ALL the decisions, and take all the credit. Need to let the leaders of Vidalia go ahead and grab the rope and take this horse where it needs to go. For everything in the last twenty years or so that Natchez dreams up, goes down the drain.
Also, seems like everytime Vidalia wants to have a festival or activities, Natchez crys about it. The do everything in their power to drag Vidalia down. Natchez needs to get a grip on things and get their fingers out of their butts and pay attention to whats best for everybody, and quit being so dern self-centered on the idea that they are a tourist town. More in life that kissin' butt to some tourist .
Natchez people are getting to looks like a batch of buzzards, just waiting for something to die ~~~~~
Posted by gpool (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natasha you never seem to have anything positive to say about Natchez, but never seem to have any construstive ideas about making the area better. Remember, Delta is ready when you are.
Posted by ktfiola (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why couldn't they use a local contractor for this? If they are going to light it, why not keep jobs in Natchez/Vidalia? Why not have the money made off of this project stay in the area, not go to Illinois. Just my opinion, I don't live there anymore.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The lighting project should imply "the bridge to Vidalia". If the city of Natchez declined to participate in this project, then the grand opening should highlight Vidalia, not a city that refused to participate.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
gpool, there have been many, many great ideas printed in this blog space. They will never be ( I believe) acted on simply because the city leaders did not think of it first. There is no need to waste time printing ideas when they are never thought about by the ones who should be thinking constructively about revitalizing Natchez or improving it in any way. We elect them and give them the job they hold but they don't care to listen to good advice from the citizens. We have enough (misguided) sense to elect them into office but not enough sense to help improve our fair city or what would be good for us.. After another three years, we can try again. As Miss Scarlet would say, tomorrow's another day.
Posted by justthefactsman (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Vidalia pays the light bill cause Natchez is broke as a Joke.
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They should just use the lights from the Vidalia Christmas tree. String 'em up across the top of the bridges, pocket the $3M, and call it a day.
Posted by Morticia (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
elvis, ROFL. The best advice yet.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's an idea for you. Paint both bridges with glow in the dark paint and there won't be any electric bill to worry with.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
elvisss - I LOVE it! Best advice I've ever heard on this paper!
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Are you people serious? Its a U.S. Highway bridge, neither Vidalia or Natchez will end up paying this. It will be subsidized by the federal govt. I am tired of hearing the bickering about who is the better city. Vidalila seems to always think that they are the cream of the crop, no matter what. Wake up Vidalia, you are surrounded by 2 cities in trouble, you are not immune to bad times!
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 2, 2009 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As previously stated and if the statement about the federal government paying for the so-called "U. S . Bridge, yes, you and I will still be paying for it as taxpayers! But it is a "Shame" for the City to not be assisting with the Project, that is the Mayor and the Board of Alderman!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on June 3, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it might be more of a shame to spend money we don't have, borrow money, whatever to help fund something that is not necessary.
Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on June 3, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's bigotry. It's racism. It's all about slavery.
Why else would they put "white" lights on the bridges!!??!!
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