Contractor drops bid to build replacement I-35 bridge

(AP) The Minnesota Department of Transportation didn't give a reason why KTM Constructors withdrew its name from consideration.

A company spokesman wasn't immediately available to comment.

The Transportation Department also says contractors hoping to build the new bridge in downtown Minneapolis will have more time to submit their bids.

It has lengthened the bidding window, now requiring companies to have their full proposals in by September 18. The agency still hopes to pick the bridge builder by the end of September.

The previous I-35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River on August 1, killing 13 people.

The state is moving quickly to replace the bridge, with a goal of having the 10-lane span open by the end of 2008.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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