The Town of Westford is seeking bids from qualified contractors to repair damage to the historic Browns River Covered Bridge located near the Westford Town Common on Cambridge Road in Westford, Vermont.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
This project is partially funded by a grant from the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. All work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Historical repair work has been extensively documented and can be referenced at the links below:
• https://www.vermontbridges.org/chittenden_county_westford.shtml
• https://www.vermontbridges.com/preserve.htm
• https://www.lostbridges.org/details.aspx?id=VT/45-04-05&loc=n
• https://www.vermontbridges.com/westfrd2.htm
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project addresses severe rot caused by faulty flashing details at five locations on the bridge. The work will focus on replacing rotted structural components, improving flashing, and ensuring long-term protection to prevent further damage.
Work to be Performed:
1. Structural Repairs:
o Burr Arches: Remove and replace the rotted end sections of the exterior Burr arches at all four corners of the bridge. Jack up both ends of the bridge to relieve pressure on the rotted bearing blocks and bolster beams.
o Bolster Beams: Remove and replace the two rotted bolster beams. Extend the replacement beams to cover a full 24-foot length.
o Bearing Blocks: Remove and replace all rotted bearing blocks under the bridge.
o West Portal Joist: Pull up the decking and replace the rotted first joist at the west portal with a new white oak timber.
2. Flashing and Sheathing:
o Flashing: Remove and replace the faulty flashing at all four corners to protect structural components.
o Sheathing: Replace the sheathing at the corners to fully cover and protect the bolster beams. Ensure new sheathing extends 24 feet to fully cover bolster beams and prevent water infiltration.
3. Protective Measures:
o Wood Treatment: Utilize protective measures to protect the wood elements from moisture and the elements. Use No. 1 and better white oak for all timber replacements (arches, bolster beams, bearing blocks, and joists).
o Parapet Flashing: Install new flashing atop the new joists to prevent water infiltration and protect against windblown rain.
REQUIRED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
The selected contractor shall possess the following:
• Historic Preservation: Understanding the original construction methods and materials, and ensuring repairs maintain historical integrity.
• Structural Engineering: Assessing the bridge's current state and designing safe, modern repairs that respect the original structure.
• Carpentry/Woodworking: Skill in traditional woodcraft to repair or replicate wooden elements, such as trusses and beams.
• Masonry/Stonework: Expertise in repairing stone foundations or abutments if necessary.
• Metalwork: Repairing or replacing metal components, using traditional methods.
• Environmental Knowledge: Understanding local climate and conditions that may affect the bridge’s integrity.
• Project Management: Coordinating work, budget, and ensuring compliance with preservation guidelines.
• Safety Compliance: Ensuring modern safety standards are met for both workers and public use.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
The Contractor shall at their own expense provide, and maintain in force, the following coverage:
1. Statutory Workers Compensation Insurance including Occupational Disease and Employers Liability with limits of at least $1,000,000 for each occurrence.
2. Commercial General Liability, including but not limited to, Bodily Injury, Personal/Advertising Injury, Broad Form Property Damage, Products and Completed Operations Liability and Contractual Liability with limits of at least $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit for each occurrence. Completed operations liability shall be kept in force for one year.
3. Commercial Auto Liability Insurance, including coverage for owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles with limits of at least $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit for each occurrence.
4. The Contractor must list the Town as well as the State of Vermont as Additional Insured parties on their Commercial General Liability Policy and Commercial Auto Liability Policy.
5. The Contractor shall provide the Town with Certificates of Insurance, as required above, prior to beginning work. All Certificates shall contain a provision stating that the coverage afforded under said policies will not be cancelled, materially changed, or not renewed without 30 days’ written prior notice and 10 days for non-payment of premium.
SITE VISIT & QUESTIONS
A site visit is recommended prior to submitting a bid. The bridge is located at the end of Cambridge Road where it connects with Route 128 in the Westford Town Center. The bridge is open to the public and accessible from the road via a one-car parking area on the northerly end of the bridge.
Any questions must be submitted in writing by March 28, 2025, to Holly Delisle, Town Administrator,
contact@example.gov. All questions will be answered within one (1) week and sent to all respondents.
BID INSTRUCTIONS
The contractor shall provide a bid including the following:
1. Cover Letter including:
a. Introduction.
b. Estimated completion timeline.
c. Cost estimates broken down into time and materials.
2. At least three (3) examples of similar work performed demonstrating the bidder’s ability, experience and reliability in the performance and management of similar projects.
3. Rate & Fee Schedule:
a. To include the firm’s standard rates for any printed or other material costs likely to be incurred as part of the scope of the work. The rates presented within the Request for Bids will remain in effect for the duration of the contract.
Bid should be clearly labeled “Browns River Covered Bridge Repairs” with the contractor’s name. bids must be received by 4:30pm on Monday, April 7, 2025, using one of the following methods. Late bids will be rejected:
1. Electronically via email to
contact@example.gov; or
2. USPS/UPS/FEDEX - Town of Westford, 1713 VT Route 128, Westford, VT 05494; or
3. Hand delivered to the Westford Town Office. There is a drop box available for after hours.
The winning bidder shall be bound by the bid price throughout the contract and through completion of the project.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Selectboard will review the bids and select a winning bid during the Selectboard meeting on Thursday April 10, 2025.
The Town of Westford reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to modify or issue changes to the original RFB. Any change will be distributed to all those originally issued the RFB. The Town of Westford also reserves the right to select the contractor that, in the best judgment of the Town of Westford, will perform in a timely manner and with consideration of total cost. The Town of Westford may also negotiate with the contractor to modify or amend portions of their respective bid.
