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(AP) - A judge has thrown out a lawsuit
challenging how Minnesota transportation officials awarded the
contract for the recently opened Interstate 35W replacement bridge
in Minneapolis.

      Ramsey County District Judge Edward Cleary ruled there was
"substantial evidence" supporting the Minnesota Department of
Transportation's decision to award the contract to Flatiron
Construction Corp.

      Two construction executives had argued MnDOT used a flawed
selection process.

      MnDOT project manager Jon Chiglo said the ruling validated the
process that was used to pick Flatiron.


      Last year, the judge rejected the executives' attempt to stop
construction of the new bridge. In his latest ruling, Cleary denied
the executives' argument that Flatiron should give up "profits"
from the bridge.


      Meanwhile, Chiglo said Flatiron and its partner, Manson
Construction Co., have been paid a $25 million bonus for finishing
the bridge early and on budget.


      The bonus included $18 million for finishing the bridge more
than 90 days ahead of a Dec. 24 deadline, and another $7 million
because the contractor agreed not to make claims for unforeseen
costs.


      The new bridge opened in September. It replaces the one that
collapsed in 2007, killing 13 people.

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A judge has thrown out a lawsuit
challenging how Minnesota transportation officials awarded the contract for the recently opened Interstate 35W replacement bridge
in Minneapolis.

Judge throws out I-35W replacement bridge lawsuit

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