Eight companies have thrown their names into the hat to be considered by the City of Victoria to build the new Johnson Street Bridge.

The city plans to shortlist three companies by early May. The city and its consulting team will then work with the three firms as they prepare their proposals.

On Tuesday, the city hired what’s called an independent fairness monitor, to ensure the firms can provide suggestions and ideas on ways to refine the engineering design in confidence.

Jamie Cassels, a lawyer and University of Victoria law professor with expertise in contract law and civil litigation, will monitor the evaluation, short-listing and awarding of the contract for the replacement of the new bridge, to ensure that the procurement process is properly followed.

rholmen@vicnews.com