The Michigan Department of Transportation and the Bay City Commissioners are set to hear the proposals from the three bidders for the replacement, rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of two bridges in Bay City - Independence Bridge and Liberty Bridge.

American Roads, Kiewit, and United Bridge Partners are the three companies that will be given 90 minutes to present their respective proposals, each with different plans for the two bridges, and receive questions from the commission.

American Roads plan to focus on the upgrade of the Independence bridge while demolishing the Liberty bridge. The work covers Independence Bridge’s superstructure, deck, and mechanical and electrical systems. The company also plans to a toll collection system that includes cameras for license plate recognition and devices that read and communicate with window decal transponders.

The United Bridge Partners proposes the complete rehabilitation and modernization of Liberty Bridge that includes the construction of decorative accent lighting and a remodel and upgrade to the operator house. The company plans to close the existing Independence Bridge and the construction of a brand-new drawbridge as a replacement. It plans to propose Zilwaukee-style bridge as a replacement to the Independence Bridge. 

The Kiewit proposal provides emphasis on a ‘Progressive P3’ agreement, of which, the city will be able to maintain the control of the roadway and bridge operations but where risks are shared with Kiewit. The Progressive P3 intends to expedite the development process at a fixed price while being financed by both revenues and subsidy or grant funds. The company's proposal also mentions incorporating toll revenues into the project’s payment structure. 

The presentations of the proposals are expected to be done on July 11, 2019.