International firms interested in Brent Spence Bridge project in Ohio, US

Some of the biggest international construction firms are among agencies and companies reportedly interested in funding or developing a new US$2.5 billion Brent Spence Bridge on Interstates 71/75 in the US state of Ohio.

Ohio DOT (Department of Transport) says it has received responses from 23 firms to an inquiry aimed at measuring interest in the private sector for the huge capital project. The firms are said to have told Ohio DOT that they could do portions or all of the proposed bridge - including construction, funding, maintenance and operating of the bridge - for decades.

The recent inquiry is not part of the formal bidding process, but aimed at looking for the best ideas on how to fund, develop and deliver a replacement bridge, including potential use of tolls. Companies that expressed interest include France's 5177 Vinci, Spain-based Actividades de Construcción y Servicios (ACS), and 4138 Bechtel Infrastructure of the US.