Delaware's Department of Transportation has reached a settlement its lawsuit over a failed Indian River Inlet Bridge construction project.
The state will receive $5.25 million dollars from Florida-based Figg Bridge Engineers and its subcontractor, Atlanta-based MACTEC Engineering.
Delaware had sought nearly $20 million dollars in damages in its 2011 suit over approach ramps made unstable by the way the soil supporting the ramps settled. That bridge plan was scrapped in 2007. The $150 million bridge completed last year was built with a new plan and contractors.
"This settlement allows DelDOT to receive more than $5 million for Delaware's taxpayers now, while avoiding the burdens and uncertainty of a lengthy trial involving complex geotechnical engineering issues next spring," said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt in a statement. "This was a challenging case with strengths and weaknesses on all sides. I believe the settlement provides a reasonable resolution to this matter, and I look forward to applying the proceeds to help meet Delaware's transportation needs."
As part of the settlement, the companies still deny responsibility for the issues – and the state must use the money it gets on transportation projects for which federal funds may be used.