Two people take in the sunset view looking west from the Grand Ave Park Bridge on Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The contractor for the bridge over West Marine Drive had sought over $5.8 million over design issues.
EVERETT — A metal fabrication company settled a claim against the city for $860,000 last week, over allegations that the Grand Avenue Park bridge’s steel fabrication design was inadequate.
The bridge spans 257 feet and sits about 35 feet above West Marine View Drive. Everett spent about $20 million on the project that carries utilities and connects the Northwest Neighborhood and the waterfront.
In August 2020, it opened to the public and has become a fixture for people getting to waterfront amenities and events.
Interwest Construction, Inc., the contractor for the project, in April 2021 filed a claim that some damages and losses in a purchase order were caused by the city. The initial claim sought over $5.8 million.
Settlement paperwork does not explain what exactly was alleged to be “inadequate” about the bridge design. The Daily Herald has submitted a public records request for more documents related to the claim.
The city had awarded Interwest the project in 2017 after it submitted the lowest bid at $13.8 million.
In late March this year, Interwest and subcontractor Thompson Metal Fabrication, Inc., agreed that all money recovered would go to the metal fabrication company. Thompson Metal sought over $1.6 million as part of the larger claim.
An executive from the fabrication company signed the settlement on Aug. 17.
Two weeks later, the Everett City Council voted 6-0 to authorize Mayor Cassie Franklin’s signature on the $860,000 settlement.
As part of the agreement, the city does not admit any wrongdoing, negligence, violation of law or any liability to either company. It also bars the companies from seeking further claims or damages related to the bridge project from the city.
Ben Watanabe: 425-339-3037; bwatanabe@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @benwatanabe. Talk to us You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing newstips@heraldnet.com or by calling 425-339-3428. If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to letters@heraldnet.com or by regular mail to The Daily Herald, Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206. More contact information is here. Gallery Workers install railings at the Grand Avenue Park Bridge on July 1, 2020 in Everett. (Andy Bronson / The Herald) Purchase Photo The Grand Ave Park Bridge is seen as the sun sets Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald) Purchase Photo A pedestrian crosses over Marine View Drive toward the waterfront on the Grand Ave Park Bridge as the sun sets Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald) Purchase Photo Pedestrians walk along the top of the Grand Ave Park Bridge on Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald) Purchase Photo Pedestrians cross over Marine View Drive on the Grand Ave Park Bridge as the sun sets Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald) Purchase Photo
Workers install railings at the Grand Avenue Park Bridge on July 1, 2020 in Everett. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
The Grand Ave Park Bridge is seen as the sun sets Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A pedestrian crosses over Marine View Drive toward the waterfront on the Grand Ave Park Bridge as the sun sets Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Pedestrians walk along the top of the Grand Ave Park Bridge on Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Pedestrians cross over Marine View Drive on the Grand Ave Park Bridge as the sun sets Wednesday, in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
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