Transportation Cabinet
KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET TO CHOOSE NEW CONTRACTOR TO PAINT KENNEDY BRIDGE - Contract with Atlantic Painting Cancelled

LOUISVILLE, KY (May 8, 2006) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) today announced it will re-advertise for bids to secure a new painting contractor for the Kennedy Bridge.  Bid advertising will be in June, according to Highways Commissioner Marc Williams.

Commissioner Williams said the state has terminated a painting contract for the Kennedy Bridge project with Atlantic Painting following several months of negotiations and dispute over pace of work involving the $17.7 million project.

“Today’s actions help clear the way for moving this project into the fast lane for completion,” Commissioner Williams said.  “We are committed to completing the Kennedy Bridge painting as soon as possible.”

Settlement of the Atlantic Painting contract stipulates the company can keep $2,063,340 it has been paid for work completed along with $350,000 for equipment removal from the bridge, a provision in the original contract. 

Another key element in the contract resolution includes release of the bonding company, Hanover Insurance, from any future claims asserted under the performance bond issued for the project.  By releasing the bonding company, KYTC avoids what could have been a protracted legal case that could have delayed the project for years.

KYTC officials estimate the project will be completed by the fall of 2008.

“We are as anxious as anyone in the community that painting of the Kennedy Bridge be completed as soon as possible, as it will complement the transformation now underway on the Louisville waterfront,” Commissioner Williams said.

The Kennedy Bridge was completed in August 1964 and has five truss spans totaling 2,500 feet. Its last painting was in January 1977.

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