The Maryland Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it had received three final proposals from private sector teams to complete Phase 1 of the Public-Private Partnership program for the American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-70 Relief Plan.
Officials said the proposals indicate significant interest among private investors in partnering with MDOT to deliver the bridge and provide innovative options for traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.
MDOT will begin reviewing the proposals to select a winner immediately, the department said.
“We received three strong proposals from private investors that want to partner with us to provide new travel options and business opportunities for all Marylanders — bicyclists, pedestrians, buses and carpoolers and truckers,” said Transportation Secretary Greg Slater. “This level of competition gives us the ability to choose the right partner, who can collaborate with us and key stakeholders in the community to deliver the highest value and most innovative design ideas for improved travel options, reduced environmental impacts, new transit connections, and direct bike and pedestrian access across a new American Legion Bridge.”
The proposals mark the end of nearly six months of dialogue with interested firms. Firms received an initial draft of the Request for Proposals in July, which started the opportunities for feedback between the firms and the state. MDOT then refined the RFP after receiving their feedback, and each of the teams was allowed to prepare and refine their proposals.
MDOT and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) anticipate selecting a proposal by February and will enter into an agreement with the proposers. The teams will work closely with MDOT, MDTA, and other stakeholders on advancing the American Legion Bridge and I-270 improvements.