History: Originally constructed in 1927, Bridge No. 4510, also known as the Vernon Avenue Bridge,  provides a critical connection between the cities of Edina and Minneapolis. Over the years, a variety of maintenance activities have been carried out to extend its service life. In 2014 the bridge was classified as structurally deficient with vehicle load restrictions based on the condition of its primary structural elements. The concrete deck is heavily cracked throughout which promotes accelerated deterioration of the reinforcing steel. Based on the current condition of the bridge, replacement of the structure is needed. With an original design life of 50 years, the Vernon Avenue bridge has served the public beyond its anticipated service life.

The bridge project is currently programmed in the county’s transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for replacement in 2023. The county was awarded $7,000,000 in federal funding for this bridge through the 2018 Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation.

In 2019, the county solicited proposals from 17 qualified engineering firms for preliminary design services with six firms submitting proposals. A selection committee with county, city, and Minnesota Department of Transportation staff reviewed the proposals. Through a quality-based competitive selection process, the committee unanimously recommended TKDA to provide the design and engineering services for the Vernon Avenue Bridge Project.

Current Request: This request is for approval to negotiate a work authorization under Master Agreement A178136 with TKDA for preliminary design engineering services for the replacement of the Vernon Avenue Bridge in Edina, under CP 2176600, during the period March 10, 2020 through December 31, 2023, with a not-to-exceed amount of $600,000. Adequate consulting funding is available in the CP 2176600 project budget.

Impacts/Outcomes: Approval of this request will allow the county to hire TKDA, Inc. to provide preliminary design engineering services for the replacement of the Vernon Avenue Bridge in Edina. Work authorization for final design engineering services will be requested near the end of the preliminary design phase. The completed project proposes to upgrade roadway infrastructure, improve safety, enhance traffic operations, and deliver on the county’s multi-modal transportation vision.