Collierville approves $404,355 contract to repair Holmes Road bridge with precast slabs

The Collierville board on April 27 approved a $404,355 contract with Bell and Associates Construction LLC to repair the Holmes Road bridge using precast concrete slabs. Town engineer Dale Perryman said the bridge, built in 1966, was inspected by the Tennessee Department of Transportation in March 2025 and TDOT notified the town on April 25, 2025, that the bridge required closure. "This option was reviewed by TDOT, which allowed the town to proceed with this approach," Perryman said.

Perryman described the work as removal of the existing deck, modification of bridge caps, placement of precast slabs and reinstallation of the water main that hangs off the bridge. He said precast slabs can shorten onsite work once they have been fabricated and delivered; contractors at the pre-bid meeting estimated 45 to 60 days to manufacture slabs plus 60 days for installation once delivered. Three bids were received; Bell and Associates was the lowest responsive bidder at $404,355 and the board approved the award. Liquidated damages are set at $800 per day, and any remaining funds will be returned to the appropriate account after completion.

Board members asked about the size of the bid spread and whether the contractor was local; staff said the contractor appears to be from Middle Tennessee and that lead time for slabs likely explains part of the price differential. The board approved the contract by roll call; staff said they expect the bridge could be reopened within several months, depending on slab fabrication and delivery.