Newtown Creek Bridge: A Bridge Too Far Above Budget

The Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge project is currently facing a significant financial crisis as construction bids have repeatedly exceeded the available grant funding. Although the township secured nearly one million dollars for the work, a substantial portion has already been consumed by administrative and legal fees, leaving only $836,025 for actual building costs. Despite efforts to reduce expenses through simplified design specifications, the most recent contractor proposals still far outpace this remaining budget. This persistent gap has led to sharp criticism regarding the engineering firm’s ability to align the project’s scope with its economic reality. Consequently, local leaders must now decide whether to seek a third round of bids, replace their current consultants, or cancel the bridge project entirely.

For the SECOND time bids for the construction of the proposed Newtown Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge have come in OVER Budget. Recall that the first round of bids were rejected because all bids were above the amount available from grant money (read “Newtown Creek Bridge Rebid Specifications” and “Meet Mack Monday 18 May 2026”).

The ReBID Saga

Originally estimated at $750,000 the project was intended to be fully funded by a $999,979 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share Account (LSA) grant. However, the reality of the bids has left the township with a massive problem: the lowest bid came in at $1.1 million, with the high end reaching $1.5 million. Consequently, the Newtown Board of Supervisors authorized Howell Engineering – the principal engineering company that designed the bridge and manages the bidding process plus the construction of the bridge should it ever get started – to reject the bids received for the project and authorized a ReBID to be made.

The following table is my analysis of how the grant funds have already been spent and an estimate of future expenses needed if and when the project starts. The main takeaway is that the highest “rebid” for this project will have to be at or below $836,000.

ReBID Results

To manage costs and provide flexibility, the reBID structure utilizes a “Base Bid” for critical elements—such as cheaper structural features including wood piling foundations vs reinforced concrete and wood post wire mesh railings vs aluminum railings with Steel mesh panels—while introducing several “Add/Alternate” items for optional materials and trail extensions. For more on the modifications, read “Newtown Creek Bridge Rebid Specifications”. The ReBID closing date was July 16, 2026.

First Bid Data (Rejected)

Previous bids for the project significantly exceeded the grant amount:

• Ply-Mar Construction Company Inc: $1,115,950.00
• PKF-MARK III Inc: $1,312,960.00
• Richard E. Pierson Construction Company Inc: $1,536,800.00
• Average Bid: $1,321,903

ReBid Data

Bids for the Newtown Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge and Trail Project ReBID were submitted on July 16, 2026 on the PennBID platform. Jeremy S. Madaras, MSc, PE, Principal Engineer, at Howell Engineering, posted that bids were submitted by four (4) contractors as follows:

• Road-Con, Inc.: $1,008,325.00
• Professional Construction Contractors, Inc.: $1,070,337.50
• PKF-MARK III Inc.: $1,212,450.00
• Richard E. Pierson Construction Company Inc. $1,408,125.00
• Average ReBID: $1,174,810

Note: “The figures presented represent the aggregate cost of base bid components and do not include or incorporate alternate items,” says Mr. Madaras in a 22 July 2026 notice posted to PennBID.

ALL OF THESE BIDS EXCEED THE $836,025 that is the estimated MAXIMUM amount of funds remaining for construction from the original grant allowing for additional fees that Howell will likely charge once the project starts (see table above). Even the lowest bid of $1,008,325 is 20% in excess ($172,300) of the maximum.

In fact, even disregarding the engineering & legal fees already paid and to be paid, ALL THESE ReBIDs EXCEED the original grant of $999.979! It’s amazing that considering the “dumbing down” of the project; i.e., less costly construction and using a “Base” and “Alternate” list structure, the AVERAGE “Base” ReBID was ONLY $147,093 below the average Bid of the original biding process!

That signals to me a failure on the part of Howell Engineering to adequately re-engineer the project in the rebid to fit the available funds!

Is a “Three-Peat” Needed?

I believe the same fate awaits the ReBID – rejection of all bids. The question then will be SHOULD A NEW ReBID process be launched – i.e., a “Three-Peat”? Does the bridge need a redesign? Is Howell Engineering up to task? Should Newtown disengage with Howell Engineering and demand a refund for failed execution, which can be used to hire a new engineering company for a complete redesign?

Or should this whole project be abandoned?