Contractor's System Project Question and Answer Forum

-1-
Submitted: Friday 09-MAY-2025 03:26 PM
Company: Wadsworth Brothers Construction
Contact: Mark Miller
Can the department provide a new bid item for "Contractor Access" for barges or temporary work items for working in the river to construct the bridge? We prefer to not put these costs in multiple pay items.
Answer
Submitted:Thursday 15-MAY-2025 03:43 PM
The following special provision is hereby added to the contract: CONTRACTOR ACCESS FACILITIES
Bid Item #552 010 010  TEMPORARY ACCESS FACILITIES – LS is hereby added to the contract.
An amendment will be issued, updated bid files will be posted.

-2-
Submitted: Monday 12-MAY-2025 08:00 AM
Company: LHC
Contact: Sam Weyers
Please post all design files.
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 20-MAY-2025 2:34 PM
The design files for the requested project are posted here: DESIGN FILES
The requested files do not represent the staked project but are only design files.  The Department cannot guarantee the accuracy of the electronic data, particularly as it may be called up by your computer, nor does any data in these files supersede the data in the contract documents.
In addition, the Department will not make any revisions to the electronic files pertaining to the staked project, change ordered work, or changes that are made during construction to fit field conditions.

-3-
Submitted: Sunday 11-MAY-2025 01:29 AM
Company: Knife River
Contact: Kurtis Paulson
Will the department please post design files, mass diagram, and dirt runs?
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 20-MAY-2025 03:24 PM
Please see response to Question #2. A mass diagram and/or dirt runs are not available for this project.

-4-
Submitted: Sunday 11-MAY-2025 01:30 AM
Company: Knife River
Contact: Kurtis Paulson
Will the department please post the additional geotechnical information?
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 15-MAY-2025 03:20 PM
Attached are PDF Files of the available project alignment and/or structures geotechnical report(s), geotechnical report supplements, and geotechnical laboratory summaries. There is remaining geotechnical information that is voluminous and very difficult to compile in a concise manner. Contractors are welcome to come to MDT Headquarters to inspect rock samples taken for the project that are stored here or to look through the complete set of Geotechnical field investigation notes, laboratory testing, analytical, or other data in our project files. It should be noted that the project may have undergone significant changes during the design process after the original geotechnical report and supplements were issued. Thus, some of the information contained in these documents may be out of date or not applicable with regard to the advertised project. Some of the changes include, but are not limited to: Project splits (for funding, ROW issues, etc.) alignment and grade changes; and changes due to environmental factors (sensitive areas, etc.). The documents can be found at: GEOTECHNICAL REPORTS

-5-
Submitted: Monday 12-MAY-2025 01:07 PM
Company: Wadsworth Brothers Construction
Contact: Mark Miller
Please provide all proposed and existing cadd files including linework and surface models.
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 20-MAY-2025 03:25 PM
Please see response to Question #2.

-6-
Submitted: Friday 16-MAY-2025 01:37 PM
Company: Wadsworth Brothers Construction
Contact: Mark Miller
Please provide the complete detailed copy of the following Permits Nationwide Permit 23 SPA 124 Authorization
Answer
Submitted: Wednesday 21-MAY-2025 01:37 PM
Please find copies of the CWA 404 Permit documents at the following link: USACE NATIONWIDE PERMIT DOCS
Please find copies of the SPA 124 Authorization and Extension documents at the following link: FWP SPA 124 PERMIT DOCS

-7-
Submitted: Monday 19-MAY-2025 10:45 AM
Company: LHC
Contact: Sam Weyers
Will MDT please clarify SP # 35.B regarding one lane traffic in each direct at all times? Based on current X-sections and alignment, this will not be possible.
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 22-MAY-2025 09:50 AM
Maintain two-lane, two-way traffic at all times possible to minimize impacts to the traveling public. Single lane traffic will be approved by the EPM on a case-by-case basis if two-lane traffic is not practical. Temporary lane closures are also allowed as called out in Special Provision #36. Please refer to plan sheet 38, Special Provision #56 and #63 in regard to temporary shoring and phasing.

-8-
Submitted: Tuesday 20-MAY-2025 02:44 PM
Company: Montana Fence Company
Contact: Jim Ritter
1. We understand that MDT is working on a solution for more accurate quantities of single panels, double panels and ROW breaks. For wood paneled R/W breaks we will use MDT’s detail drawing in 607-20. For metal panel R/W breaks we will use a metal double panel with an off-set middle post. For this job, please specify the number of R/W breaks in wood post sections as well as metal post sections.
2. Station 332+48.10 RT to 372+75.00 RT calls for Type F6W with Wood Single and Wood Double panels. However, in the Remarks column it calls for “Corner bracing with round steel posts” for Parcel 16/16C E. We assume that these steel braces are equivalent to MDT’s detail for Metal Double Panels. If so, please specify the number of metal braces required for this Parcel. If not, please clarify.
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 27-MAY-2025 02:56 PM
1. The quantity of single and double panels has been updated. The ROW breaks have been quantified as double panels in the revised summary frame and call outs to each ROW break has been added to the revised plan sheets
2. The station range for this segment was revised on Sheets 19 and 40. The new stopping station is 342+75. All panels are quantified as Metal Panels.
Updated Plan Sheet No.’s 19, 39 & 40 can be viewed here: REVISED FENCING PLAN SHEETS
The affected Bid Items are hereby revised as follows:
607100291 – FARM FENCE-TYPE F6W – 1,067.0 LNFT
607100360 – FARM FENCE-PANEL/SINGLE FW – 5.0 EACH
607100362 – FARM FENCE-PANEL/SINGLE FM – 5.0 EACH
607100380 – FARM FENCE-PANEL/DOUBLE FW – 5.0 EACH
607100385 – FARM FENCE-PANEL/DOUBLE FM – 8.0 EACH
607100440 – FARM GATE-METAL-TYPE G-3 – 96.0 LNFT
607100551 – FENCE-TEMPORARY – 1,067.0 LNFT
607100720 – DEADMAN – 20.0 EACH
An amendment will be issued, updated bid files will be posted.

-9-
Submitted: Wednesday 21-MAY-2025 02:57 PM
Company: Schellinger Construction Co., Inc.
Contact: Grant Roberts
Other recent projects in this area have used Special Borrow with a maximum particle size of 6 inch, would MDT consider changing the maximum particle size for Special Borrow from 4 inch to 6 inch for this project?
Answer
Submitted: Friday 23-MAY-2025 09:25 AM
Maximum particle size of 4-inch special borrow is required to fully encapsulate each geogrid layer as shown in the plans and cross sections with a minimum of 8” cover above and below the geogrid.  6” maximum particle size is acceptable for all other areas of special borrow.

-10-
Submitted: Thursday 22-MAY-2025 08:55 AM
Company: LHC
Contact: Sam Weyers
Other than SP #67, would MDT add a bid item for the necessary clearing and grubbing of the ROW?
Answer
Submitted: Wednesday 28-MAY-2025 08:30 AM
Bid Item #201 130 005 CLEARING AND GRUBBING is hereby added to the contract with a quantity of 18.0 ACRES. The intent of this item is to establish a pay item for those ROW areas not covered in Special Provision #67 Timber Decking for Private Landowners. Special Provision #67 is intended only for the areas designated within the provision.
An amendment will be issued, updated bid files will be posted.

-11-
Submitted: Thursday 22-MAY-2025 02:55 PM
Company: Pipe and Piling Supplies USA
Contact: Josh Klapperich
In regards to the 48" cutting shoes, will an A27 Gr. 65/35 or A148 Gr. 90/60 be acceptable for this application? Also, will welding the cutting shoes to manufacturer's recommendations be acceptable for attach (minimum 5/16" fillet weld)?
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 27-MAY-2025 12:20 PM
A148 Gr. 90/60 cutting shoes with a minimum 5/16” fillet weld meeting the manufacturer’s recommendations will be acceptable.

-12-
Submitted: Tuesday 27-MAY-2025 05:34 PM
Company: Condon-Johnson
Contact: Ty Jahn
Please provide the raw CPT data.
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 01:57 PM
Raw CPT data files can be viewed at the following link: CPT DATA

-13-
Submitted: Tuesday 27-MAY-2025 05:32 PM
Company: Condon-Johnson
Contact: Ty Jahn
Compaction grouting is contractor design, yet estimated quantities are provided for pricing for both drilling and grouting. These quantities could vary greatly from contractor to contractor. Consider revising this to a Lump Sum.
Answer
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 08:32 AM
Please bid compaction grouting as advertised.  Payment for altered quantities will be administered in accordance with 109.03 of the standard specifications.

-14-
Submitted: Wednesday 28-MAY-2025 02:21 PM
Company: Contech Engineered Solutions LLC
Contact: Brad Eberspecher
Would ClearCast transparent bridge deck forms be an acceptable alternative to removing conventional bridge deck forms? https://www.conteches.com/media/mdjhmyum/clearcast_brochure.pdf
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 01:42 PM
Stay in place forms are not permitted. Bid the project as advertised.

-15-
Submitted: Wednesday 28-MAY-2025 02:48 PM
Company: Hamilton Construction Co.
Contact: Wendell Snook
Per Standard Specification 559.03.5 "Temporary welded plates for aligning field splices or hoisting may be used with the Project Manager’s approval. Remove temporary plates and grind welds smooth. " To support pier cap falsework would temporary welded steel brackets be approved for use?

-16-
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 11:15 AM
Company: Alpine Sign Inc
Contact: John
Please provide Sign Design Calculations for this project
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 01:17 PM
The sign design files for the requested project are posted here: SIGN DESIGN CALCS The requested files are only design files. The Department cannot guarantee the accuracy of the electronic data, particularly as it may be called up by your computer, nor does any data in these files supersede the data in the contract documents. In addition, the Department will not make any revisions to the electronic files prior to award. Changes needed via change ordered work, or changes that are made during construction to fit field conditions, will be provided at that time. See the requirements of Subsection 619.03.2.

-17-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 11:21 AM
Company: Wadsworth Brothers Construction
Contact: Ashford Galbreath
The Activity 130 Geotechnical report provided in response to Q&A # 4 recommended the use of an ICE I-80 pile hammer with a maximum rated energy of 208,300 ft-lbs. The increased wall thickness since this recommendation and the increased pile depth has caused this hammer to be dramatically undersized based on the required driving energies shown on the contract plans. Will the department provide a recommended minimum hammer driving energy?

-18-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 11:20 AM
Company: Wadsworth Brothers Construction
Contact: Ashford Galbreath
The Activity 130 Geotechnical report provided in response to Q&A # 4 shows the bent 2, 3, and 4 piles as 0.75” wall thickness vs. 1” in the contract plans and also shows shorter pile lengths than shown in the contract plans. What caused the change in foundation size and depth, and can the department provide the supplemental report that supports this change?

-19-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 11:43 AM
Company: Wadsworth Brothers Construction
Contact: Mark Miller
Special Provision 44 Surcharge Embankment, Note D.3 states “Where 1.5H: 1V slopes cannot be constructed as shown in the plans, construct surcharge with geosynthetic wrapped layers, or other methods approved by the Project Manager. Does the department require a vertical temp wall for the surcharge materials near the future abutment face at both Bent 1 & Bent 5?

-20-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 01:05 PM
Company: LH Contracting LLC
Contact: Lewis Heil
Could you please update the SBE bin file?

-21-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 02:12 PM
Company: Wadsworth Brothers Construction
Contact: Eric Nelson
Special Provision 35E in Sequence of Operations notes that the contractor always provides access to the sportsman’s fishing access site, but there are no requirements as to what constitutes keeping access. How is access supposed to be always provided with the new alignment of the roadway and fill slope going to the R/W line?

-22-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 03:05 PM
Company: Advanced Geosolutions, Inc
Contact: Drew Flack
Regarding the Special Provisions for the Stone Column and Compaction Grouting work, can MDT define the quantity required or testing frequency of CPTs to verify liquefaction potential is mitigated?

-23-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 03:02 PM
Company: Advanced Geosolutions, Inc
Contact: Drew Flack
Special provision section 63.E.6.A (Stone Columns) requires test columns to verify that the liquefaction potential is mitigated. Results are to be evaluated by Geotechncial Representative selected by MDT. The time required to evaluate the test program will generate standby cost for the contractor. Can MDT provide an allotted time for the evaluation?

-1-
Submitted: Thursday 22-MAY-2025 02:31 PM
Company: Riverside Contracting, Inc.
Contact: Cale Fisher
The late advertising of this project and requirement to complete both the micro surfacing and chip sealing in the same construction season creates a very small 1-2 week window to schedule the micro surfacing operations and we have not found anyone that could confidently meet this schedule. We request that MDT revise the contract to suspend contract time for winter shutdown and allow for the completion of the microsurfacing, rumble strips, chip sealing, paint/epoxy markings and installation of delineators along the S Ravalli project area in 2026. We also request an additional 20 days of contract time to perform work in 2026 and it be chargeable beginning July 6, 2026.
Answer
Submitted: Friday 23-MAY-2025 12:59 PM
Contract time will be suspended after completion of all contract work with the exception of micro surfacing, rumble strips, seal coat, interim paint, epoxy paint, and delineators on the S Ravalli project.  Contract time for this work will resume on July 6, 2026 or an earlier date as set by the contractor.  15 working days are hereby added to the contract.
UPDATE
Tuesday 27-MAY-2025 11:24 AM
Special provision #2, Contract Time – Flex Time Proceed Date, is hereby replaced with the following updated special: UPDATED CONTRACT TIME

-2-
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 11:17 AM
Company: Alpine Sign Inc.
Contact: John
Please provide Sign Design Calculations for this project.
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 01:00 PM
The sign design files for the requested project are posted here: SIGN DESIGN CALCS The requested files are only design files. The Department cannot guarantee the accuracy of the electronic data, particularly as it may be called up by your computer, nor does any data in these files supersede the data in the contract documents. In addition, the Department will not make any revisions to the electronic files prior to award. Changes needed via change ordered work, or changes that are made during construction to fit field conditions, will be provided at that time. See the requirements of Subsection 619.03.2.

-3-
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 12:37 PM
Company: Alpine Sign Inc
Contact: John
Special Provision #30 requiring PVDF Paint System for sign backs is a process that takes much more time than a typical unpainted sign.
From project award of June 17, lead time for signs is approximately 14 weeks (70 working days). This does not account for any questions there may be concerning Sign Design Calculations or verification from MDT that the Sign Design Calculations provided in the Q&A are unchanged. This also does not account for sample materials to be provided to the Project Manager for approval prior to fabrication.
I see that 15 days have been added to the contract but would ask MDT to consider adding additional contract time or to add a provision allowing more time for sign fabrication and installation

-4-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 02:46 PM
Company: Intermountain Slurry Seal
Contact: GARY RUSSELL PRICE
Does the department have current rut depth data pertaining to the project in Lake County from reference point 20.1 to 26.7? If so, could that data be shared with contractors?

-1-
Submitted: Tuesday 13-MAY-2025 01:34 PM
Company: White Resources Group, Inc
Contact: Estimation
1. Would the Department consider delaying the NTP until Spring of 2026? Homestake area is likely to experience freezing temps earlier in the 2025 season. The new sidewalk would have most of a year of cure time before the colder temps. 2. Is there a supplier in mind for the electric heating mat for the heated sidewalk section?
Answer
Submitted: Monday 19-MAY-2025 10:10 AM
1. MDT will not delay the current NTP to 2026.
2. No, MDT does not have a specific supplier in mind for the heated sidewalk section.

-2-
Submitted: Monday 19-MAY-2025 02:07 PM
Company: The Lighting Agency
Contact: Frank Dugas
On the building mount fixture type "B", it is specified with an emergency integral battery backup. This particular fixture (12" wide), is too small to fit a battery pack into. We can either provide a remote battery pak for each fixture that would be mounted inside the building adjacent to the light fixture or we could provide an emergency line voltage inverter to power all (4) fixtures. Let me know if there is preference.
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 20-MAY-2025 07:55 AM
Provide an emergency line voltage inverter to power all (4) fixtures.

-3-
Submitted: Tuesday 20-MAY-2025 01:26 PM
Company: Montana Materials & Construction
Contact: Loren R Blossom
The precast vaulted toilet suppliers stated that the lead time on the toilets and buildings is about one year. If the project is awarded in June 2025, could MDT change the NTP date to June 2026?
Answer
Submitted: Tuesday 27-MAY-2025 08:49 AM
The notice to proceed will not be changed. If material delays are encountered, MDT will consider them in accordance with section 108.07.5 of the MDT standard specifications.

-4-
Submitted: Tuesday 20-MAY-2025 01:29 PM
Company: Montana Materials & Construction
Contact: Loren R Blossom
Is there a geotech report available? If so, could you please post it?
Answer
Submitted: Friday 23-MAY-2025 08:10 AM
Linked are PDF Files of the available project alignment and/or structures geotechnical report(s), geotechnical report supplements, and geotechnical laboratory summaries. There is remaining geotechnical information that is voluminous and very difficult to compile in a concise manner. Contractors are welcome to come to MDT Headquarters to inspect rock samples taken for the project that are stored here or to look through the complete set of Geotechnical field investigation notes, laboratory testing, analytical, or other data in our project files. It should be noted that the project may have undergone significant changes during the design process after the original geotechnical report and supplements were issued. Thus, some of the information contained in these documents may be out of date or not applicable with regard to the advertised project. Some of the changes include but are not limited to: Project splits (for funding, ROW issues, etc.) alignment and grade changes; and changes due to environmental factors (sensitive areas, etc.). The documents can be found at the following link: GEOTECHNICAL REPORT

-5-
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 11:18 AM
Company: Alpine Sign Inc
Contact: John
Please provide Sign Design Calculations for this project.
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 29-MAY-2025 12:55 PM
The sign design files for the requested project are posted here: SIGN DESIGN CALCS The requested files are only design files. The Department cannot guarantee the accuracy of the electronic data, particularly as it may be called up by your computer, nor does any data in these files supersede the data in the contract documents. In addition, the Department will not make any revisions to the electronic files prior to award. Changes needed via change ordered work, or changes that are made during construction to fit field conditions, will be provided at that time. See the requirements of Subsection 619.03.2.

-6-
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 08:08 AM
Company: Montana Materials & Construction
Contact: Loren Blossom
Regarding the answer to question #3. Other than the culvert that crosses the interstate the schedule is dictated by the precast buildings. Most of the other work either can't be completed or will be out of sequence if it is started this Fall. What items of work need to be completed this Fall? When will time be stopped to allow for delivery of the buildings and completion of the work? When will time be started again in the Spring?'
Answer
Submitted: Friday 30-MAY-2025 09:25 AM
Replace the culvert, culvert backfill, CAC, and plant mix for the culvert replacement crossing the interstate and any associated erosion control measures.  Once completed, MDT will allow a time suspension in accordance with section 108.07.5.  Time will start back April 15, 2026.

-1-
Submitted: Wednesday 14-MAY-2025 04:40 PM
Company: Coral Construction Company
Contact: Kris Karpstein
Would MDT consider a Flex Time Start NTP of September 15th? This would still allow the project to be finished this construction season but give contractors more flexibility to best fit their schedule reducing costs to MDT.
Answer
Submitted: Monday 19-MAY-2025 08:23 AM
Special provision #3, Contract Time is hereby replaced with the Special Provision Contract Time – Flex Time Proceed Date. The flex time notice to proceed will be issued with an effective date of September 2^nd, 2025. CONTRACT TIME-FLEX TIME

-2-
Submitted: Wednesday 14-MAY-2025 04:43 PM
Company: Coral Construction Company
Contact: Kris Karpstein
Section 19 of the Special Provisions states to only use 7'6" guardrail posts per Detailed Drawing 606-11. I would like to confirm that this project is requiring wood posts per 606-11A since Detailed Drawing 606-11B requires steel posts to be 8' in length.
Answer
Submitted: Thursday 15-MAY-2025 11:34 AM
Long steel and wood posts as shown in detail drawings 606-11A and 606-11B are both acceptable for use on this project.

No Questions available for this project.

No Questions available for this project.

No Questions available for this project.

No Questions available for this project.

No Questions available for this project.

No Questions available for this project.