AZ FS 289(1) AZ nfsr 289 bridge replacement

The Federal Highway Administration's Central Federal Lands Highway Division solicited bids for the AZ NFSR 289 Bridge Replacement project, a comprehensive infrastructure project involving the removal of an existing single-lane concrete slab bridge built in 1956 and construction of a new single-span bridge over Tonto Creek in the Tonto National Forest near Payson, Arizona. The project scope includes roadway reconstruction, sidewalk installation, and Horton Springs Parking Lot improvements to enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety and access to recreational sites. Key contract requirements mandated that all bidders register in the System for Award Management (SAM), comply with small business subcontracting goals, adhere to environmental restrictions on water sourcing from local creeks and facilities, and follow specific construction protocols including form liner designs matching existing stone masonry and concrete coating specifications. The solicitation utilized full and open competition with a HUBZone price evaluation preference, and bidders were required to submit sealed bids by November 19, 2025, with questions accepted through November 18, 2025, supported by multiple amendments issued on November 4 and November 14 to clarify technical requirements and provide updated plan sheets. The contract applied to firms under NAICS code 237310 (Highway, Street & Bridge Construction) with a small business size standard of $45 million.

This solicitation included no set-aside designations and represented an open market opportunity with no incumbent contractor identified. The project carried an Engineer's Estimate of $3,560,500, with responsive bids ultimately ranging from $4,188,530.51 to $6,055,585.50 across six qualified contractors, indicating actual construction costs exceeded initial projections. Principal work items included removal of the existing two-span bridge, excavation of 3,600 cubic yards of roadway material, placement of 535 tons of asphalt concrete pavement, installation of 252 cubic yards of structural concrete, and deployment of 448 linear feet of precast prestressed concrete box beams with reinforcing steel totaling 32,700 pounds. The contract performance location was Payson, Arizona 85541, with construction planned to minimize public traffic impacts by positioning the new roadway and bridge upstream (east) of the existing alignment. The project anticipated award in December 2025 following the November 19, 2025 bid opening.