The Starke County Commissioners this week awarded bids to replace two bridges to a LaPorte-based contractor. LaPorte Construction Company was the low bidder for Bridge 70, which is located on 50 East south of 500 South across the Smith Ditch. Their price of $396,104.50 includes an additional 400 feet of pavement up to 500 South. They also submitted the low bid for Bridge 79 on 450 South over the Smith Ditch. JCI Bridge Group of LaPorte and Mishawaka-based Northern Indiana Construction Company also bid on both projects. Repairs to both bridges will be done in the spring.