Atikokan to review tender for new MacKenzie Avenue bridge

Atikokan council is expected to decide on Monday night on a contract for the MacKenzie Avenue bridge.

The town has identified a need to replace the aging structure that crosses the Atikokan River.

The bridge is an access to a commercial and industrial area.

Four bids have been received, but the lowest, at just over $5.5 million, comes from a firm currently in litigation over an unrelated matter with the town.

Administration is recommending it not be selected.

The second lowest comes in at just under $5.6 million.

The town had identified $5.4 million in the draft budget for the project.

The proposed new bridge would be a modular steel truss-framed bridge with a cantilevered pedestrian walkway on the north side.

A temporary bridge would be installed during construction to minimize traffic disruptions and avoid load restrictions.