The LPA Group Incorporated (LPA), a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (NYSE Amex: BKR), has been awarded a $5.1 million contract by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to develop final construction plans for a new 5.7-mile section of Interstate 73 between I-95 and U.S. Route 501 in Dillon County, South Carolina, near the town of Latta.

Specifically, LPA will be providing final design for the roadway, including 10 bridges, as well as drainage, geotechnical, maintenance of traffic and traffic control, signage, pavement marking, erosion control and utility plans. Other services included in the contract are final surveys, utility coordination, railroad coordination and construction support.

"This will be the first section of I-73 to be designed and constructed in South Carolina, and will ultimately provide a vital link between I-95 and the Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach area," said Thomas (Freddy) Kicklighter, III, P.E., project manager. "LPA is pleased to be associated with such a high profile project and one which will deliver significant economic benefit to the state."

Michael Baker Corporation (www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering, design, planning and construction services for its clients' most complex challenges worldwide. The firm's primary business areas are architecture, aviation, defense, environmental, geospatial, homeland security, municipal & civil, oil & gas, rail & transit, telecommunications & utilities, transportation, urban development and water. With more than 3,250 employees in nearly 110 offices across the United States, Baker is focused on creating value by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and the environment.

Michael Baker Corporation
David Higie, 412-269-6449