In 2002, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) entered a design-build agreement with Bechtel and Kiewit Pacific Co., forming a joint venture to deliver the parallel eastbound span of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. It was developed as a strategic initiative to enhance traffic capacity and flow across Puget Sound. Originally estimated at $849 million, the project was completed under budget at $786 million, as funds reserved for emergency scenarios were not required.
The Challenge
As the only direct highway connection between the Kitsap Peninsula and the I-5 corridor, the Tacoma Narrows crossing carries daily commuter, freight, and military traffic with no viable alternate route. The addition of a second suspension span required precise engineering coordination, rigorous quality control, and real-time oversight across multiple stakeholders.
With an estimated budget of $849 million, WSDOT faced the challenge of maintaining strict cost controls while mitigating potential risks associated with large-scale infrastructure construction. The complexity of a design-build project structure further increased the need for centralized project visibility, streamlined documentation, and accurate field reporting to prevent delays and cost overruns.
