Project Overview
The Project Overview Presentation summarizes the scope of work, highlights key design and construction details, and outlines funding sources. This presentation serves as a high-level introduction for contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders preparing for the upcoming bid phase.
Industry Outreach Presentation
The project delivery method was selected based on a variety of factors including funding structure, timeline constraints, and stakeholder input. While alternative methods were considered, the chosen approach was deemed most appropriate for this specific project scope.
While funding for the various preconstruction phases of the project is listed under two separate project numbers in the Transportation Improvement Program, PennDOT plans to bid the South Bridge Improvement Project as a single construction contract.
Pre-Bid Meeting Information
A mandatory pre-bid conference, with Department of Transportation personnel and all prospective bidders, will be held on August 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, at the PennDOT Materials Testing Lab located at 81 Lab Lane in Harrisburg, PA (17109), telephone number (717) 787-1037. The purpose of this meeting is to identify and discuss certain aspects of the project which can and will impact the bidder's ability to submit an informed bid.
The bidder's attendance at this pre-bid conference is MANDATORY.
Prospective bidders are encouraged, but not required, to pre-register for the pre-bid conference to assist the Department in planning and coordination. Pre-registration information may be submitted using the Pre-Bid Conference Registration form found in the project Special Provisions. Bidders are requested to complete pre-registration by 3:00 PM on August 18, 2026. A confirmation email will be issued upon receipt of registration.
Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting Details
Date: August 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM EST
Location: PennDOT Materials Testing Lab - 81 Lab Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Note: To perform highway construction work for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), contractors must complete a formal prequalification. Visit our Register as a PennDOT Construction Contractor / Business Partner page for the step-by-step process.
Prospective bidders are encouraged—but not required—to pre-register for the pre-bid conference to assist the Department in planning and coordination. Bidders wishing to pre-register can use the link below, and are requested to complete pre-registration by 3:00 PM on August 18, 2026. A confirmation email will be issued upon receipt of registration.
Advertisement and Timeline to Bid
The I-83 South Bridge Project was advertised on Friday, July 24, 2026. The let date for the project is October 29, 2026. More information is available for review in ECMS.
Please note, you will need to log in to ECMS either as a guest or through your approved account to view the information.
Contractor Prequalification
To perform highway construction work for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), contractors must complete a formal prequalification. Please visit our Register as a PennDOT Construction Contractor Business Partner page for detailed instructions.
The process begins with Business Partner registration, which establishes the contractor’s eligibility to interact with PennDOT systems and bid on projects. Once registered, contractors can access and submit the Prequalification Application electronically via ECMS. The application includes financial documentation, organizational experience, and an affirmative action statement. Contractors are assigned classification codes based on their qualifications and must renew their prequalification every two years.
For detailed instructions, forms, and access to the ECMS portal, contractors can visit PennDOT’s official Construction Contractor Prequalification Guide (PUB 864).