GUNTERSVILLE — A North Carolina-based industrial contractor was the apparent low bidder for a project to paint and repair the Veterans Memorial Bridges on U.S. 431 over the Tennessee River in Guntersville.

Of 11 bidders, Cekra submitted the apparent low bid of $6,692,309 when bids were opened last week. The Alabama Department of Transportation anticipated bids between $11.9 million and $14.5 million.

Construction is pending bid review and award of the contract. The project’s deadline for completion is May 28, 2027.

The project will paint steel members of both bridges as well as bridge rails. In addition to its aesthetic benefits, paint helps protect steel parts from the elements and can extend a bridge’s lifespan.

The project also includes repairs to joints on the northbound bridge.

The northbound bridge was constructed in 1977. The southbound bridge was built in 1994.