LRT Project $100 Million Over Budget: Sun

Josh Pringle
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Ottawa's proposed Rapid Transit Network has yet to make its first stop, but the price-tag is already climbing.

The Ottawa Sun reports design changes to the first phase of the plan has sent the $1.8 billion project $100 million over budget.

Sources told the Sun that City Staff have underestimated the price-tag for the east-west maintenance yard. Design changes to the platforms needed at Tunney's Pasture and changes to the Blair Road Transit Station have also added to the rising costs.

Councillor Alex Cullen tells the Sun that there are also costs associated with the redesigning of the Transitway station near the downtown Via Rail Station to meet design standards.

A report on the changes to the proposed first phase of the Rapid Transit Network will be presented to the Transit Committee next month.