The Lincoln Airport is set to embark on one of its most significant projects with the reconstruction of its runway. The project received a positive surprise when bids came in lower than expected. David Haring, the executive director of the airport, expressed his satisfaction, noting that although this will be the largest project in the airport's history, it was unexpected for bids to be significantly under initial projections.
Lincoln-based Constructors Inc., a company specializing in asphalt and concrete projects and owned by NEBCO, submitted the lowest bid at $85 million. This is considerably less than the engineer's estimate of $104 million. In total, six bids were received ranging from $85 million to $111 million from companies located in Kansas City, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Omaha.
Benesch, an engineering consultant based in Chicago and involved with the project, recommended awarding the contract to Constructors Inc. However, Chad Lay, director of planning and development for Lincoln Airport, mentioned that there is a 90-day hold period before any contract award can proceed. This delay is due to pending approval of a grant application by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).