It came after ODOT filed notice that it was holding KZF responsible for problems with the bridge. The problems led the state to tear it out and replace it at a cost of nearly $4 million.
KZF president William Wilson said: “KZF performed its services for this project in complete compliance with the applicable standard of care. In its design, KZF committed no errors or omissions contributing to the factors that led ODOT to the decision to replace the bridge.”
The bridge designed by KZF was only a few months old when inspectors noticed beams were shifting under the weight of the bridge deck.
It was declared unsafe and closed a short time later.
The state then moved to replace it at taxpayers’ expense, vowing to find the cause of the problem.
ODOT District Director Rex Dickey said a consultant’s report indicated the design firm, KZF, was to blame and began the process of seeking payment.
KZF, however, said ODOT bears some responsibility for what happened.
“Though ODOT is a valued client of KZF, ODOT cannot avoid its own role in the problems with this bridge,” Wilson said.
Wilson ended his letter by saying: “We trust that ODOT will agree that KZF should have no culpability for the replacement cost of this bridge. KZF will be pleased to meet with ODOT in the near future to further discuss these issues.”
Jim.otte@whiotv.com