Price of Ringgold, Ga., pedestrian bridge higher than expected

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Building a pedestrian bridge near the historic train depot in Ringgold, Ga., would cost $368,500, according to bids opened Tuesday.

"It's definitely more than we were hoping," City Councilman Nick Millwood said.

City officials had hoped the bridge could be installed for $250,000, Millwood said.

Six contractors came to a June 13 pre-bid conference - but only one submitted a bid Tuesday: Chattanooga-based Raines Brothers Inc., which offered to install the bridge for $368,500.

The city wants the span so pedestrians can more safely get between the depot and a city-owned, 52-space parking lot just south of the busy street, also known as U.S. Highway 41.

The historic train depot, which sustained damage during Civil War fighting, is a popular spot for events such as concerts and weddings.

The City Council will consider the bid within the next 30 days, a city news release stated.