ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota transportation officials are giving construction companies less than three weeks to bid on the fast-tracked Interstate 35W bridge project, and dangling a maximum bonus of $27 million for completing the bridge ahead of schedule.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation on Thursday issued its "request for proposals" on the replacement bridge, with a due date of Sept. 10. Five firms are competing to build a 10-lane span on the site where an eight-lane bridge collapsed Aug. 1, killing 13 people.

The goal is to finish the new bridge by the end of 2008, a breakneck pace for a project of this size. Construction could begin as soon as Oct. 15, depending on how long it takes for debris removal, design and required government consent.

The bonus schedule would award $7 million for finishing before a certain date, and would add $2 million for every 10 days earlier than that date, up to $27 million. No specific date is listed in the contract.

The five teams earlier deemed qualified to bid on the project are: C.S. McCrossan Inc.; Ames Construction Inc. and Lunda Construction Co.; American Bridge Co. and Walsh Construction Co.; Flatiron Construction Corp. and Johnson Bros.; and KTM Constructors, a joint venture of Kiewit Co., Traylor Bros. Inc. and Massman Construction Co.

Congress and President Bush have authorized $250 million toward the project.