The estimated cost of the Southwest Corridor light rail project in Minneapolis has increased by EUR 257 million toEUR 1.5 billion, from EUR 943 million in 2013. The announcement was made by the Metropolitan Council. The increase was due to ground conditions along the route and soil contamination in St. Louis Park and Hopkins.
“The continuing escalation of the costs to design and build this line raises serious questions about its viability and affordability,” Gov. Mark Dayton said in a statement, adding that the Met Council board “should quickly review other options for providing much-needed public transit to this region of the metro area.”
According to Met Council Chair Adam Duininck planners were asked to look for cost savings on the project to reduce the increase. The Met Council has already spent $59 million (44.5 million euros) on project planning.
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