Everett settles $860K claim over ‘inadequate’ design of Grand Ave bridge

Published 1:30 am Friday, September 9, 2022

EVERETT — A metal fabrication company settled a claim against the city for $860,000 last week, over allegations that the Grand Avenue Park bridge’s steel fabrication design was inadequate.

The bridge spans 257 feet and sits about 35 feet above West Marine View Drive. Everett spent about $20 million on the project that carries utilities and connects the Northwest Neighborhood and the waterfront.

In August 2020, it opened to the public and has become a fixture for people getting to waterfront amenities and events.

Interwest Construction, Inc., the contractor for the project, in April 2021 filed a claim that some damages and losses in a purchase order were caused by the city. The initial claim sought over $5.8 million.

Settlement paperwork does not explain what exactly was alleged to be “inadequate” about the bridge design. The Daily Herald has submitted a public records request for more documents related to the claim.

The city had awarded Interwest the project in 2017 after it submitted the lowest bid at $13.8 million.

In late March this year, Interwest and subcontractor Thompson Metal Fabrication, Inc., agreed that all money recovered would go to the metal fabrication company. Thompson Metal sought over $1.6 million as part of the larger claim.

An executive from the fabrication company signed the settlement on Aug. 17.

Two weeks later, the Everett City Council voted 6-0 to authorize Mayor Cassie Franklin’s signature on the $860,000 settlement.

As part of the agreement, the city does not admit any wrongdoing, negligence, violation of law or any liability to either company. It also bars the companies from seeking further claims or damages related to the bridge project from the city.

Ben Watanabe: 425-339-3037; bwatanabe@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @benwatanabe.