Guide to Bridge and Tunnel Construction Contractors

Bridge building companies and tunnel contractors aren't your run-of-the-mill road builders. These highly specialized contractors have a lot riding on their projects, and we all depend on their expertise as we travel every day.

Tunnel building companies and bridge construction companies should have a track record that meets or surpasses building standards, as well as on-time delivery of the project, as road construction generally causes traffic delays. When looking for a bridge construction company or a tunnel construction contractor, do your homework first.

1. Research whether the bridge building companies or tunnel construction firms have enough experience with the same type of project that you're constructing, whether it's a simple highway overpass or a tunnel through the bay.

2. Find out who was the bridge contractor on existing bridges in the area, and check them out yourself.

3. Check out the safety and satisfaction record of any finalist bridge contractors who are bidding on your project.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search out bridge construction companies that value safety

Bridge contractors and tunnel construction companies have to put safety of their workers first, as well as the well-being of the public. Bridge and tunnel construction can be dangerous work, and firms need to take extra precautions.

I recommend: Cianbro is a bridge construction contractor that has won awards for making sure a project is completed safely, and has experience building many different types of bridges. Safety is key for West Coast Contractors in Oregon, which holds safety meetings regularly to head off problems before they begin.

Check out various bridge contractors

Bridge constructors should have a wealth of varied experience on their resume of projects. Ask to see a variety of examples of work to get some ideas of their experience as well as the design potential.

I recommend: HNTB is well known around the country for beautiful bridges and tunnels. With experience dating back to 1914, HNTB is well-known among bridge and tunnel contractors. John W. Saltsman is a bridge building consultant with highway projects in Richmond, VA, as well as other sites in the South.

Look for tunneling construction companies that make history

Tunnel construction firms need to emphasize safety just as much as bridge building companies. History-making projects such as the Cheaspeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are only the result of years of preparation and planning. Find a tunnel construction company with a good track record of safety and expertise.

I recommend: When looking at tunnel construction companies, consider tunnel engineering services from Lachel Felice and Associates or Whitaker Construction Co., who constructed a utility tunnel at Utah State University.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Make sure to check the reputation of bridge constructors or tunnel contractors with the Better Business Bureau.

The official source of Bridge and Tunnel Construction Contractors is
the Bridge and Tunnel Construction Contractors page at Business.com