Little bridge draws big interest in hungry construction market

A little bridge on Big Alkali Road became the focal point of hungry construction firms recently.

Eleven contractors submitted bids to Whitman County on a job to replace the charred Aune Bridge over Alkali Flat Creek. Award of the job went to Harry Johnson Plumbing and Excavating, Walla Walla, on a low bid of $502,226.

Public Works Director Mark Storey said the late-season bid attracted a lot of contractors who are in search of projects to keep their employees on the job.

“I think you’re looking at a number of factors,” he said. “We put this bid out late in the season, and the economy is still...