Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
St. Paul, Minn.

Judge removes himself from I-35W bridge lawsuit

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

(AP) - A Ramsey County judge cited a conflict of interest and removed himself Tuesday from the lawsuit over the bidding process for the new Interstate 35W bridge.

District Judge Steven Wheeler said his wife, a lawyer at Travelers Cos. Inc., often works with several local contractors who submitted failing bids for the rebuilding contract.

The state eventually gave the contract to a joint venture of Colorado-based Flatiron Constructors and Florida-based Manson Construction.

Later, two taxpayers with experience as construction industry executives sued the state alleging the contract with Flatiron is illegal and harms taxpayers.

The lawsuit seeks to stop the state Transportation Department from going ahead with the project and voiding the $234 million contract with Flatiron.

Flatiron's bid was the most expensive and tied for the longest build time, but the company beat three other teams on a technical score included rankings for quality and aesthetics.

If the judge were to order that the bidding process be re-opened it would have clear implications for the losing bidders.

The case was reassigned to Judge Edward Cleary.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)