The first light rail line to extend beyond Los Angeles County into the Inland Empire has had to rethink its construction schedule in response to skyrocketing costs.
"Citing tariffs on imported steel, tighter immigration policies and rising wages, the Gold Line Construction Authority board Tuesday voted to build only half the Glendora-to-Montclair extension, saying runaway construction costs could prevent building out to Montclair," reports Steve Scauzillo.
"By a 5-0 unanimous vote, the board authorized the surprise staff recommendation that the 12.3-mile extension needs to be built in two phases due to costs rising 38 percent, from $1.5 billion to $2.1 billion," adds Scauzillo.
The new phased approach to construction means that the first eight miles of the extension, with stations in Glendora, San Dimas, and La Verne, will be complete in 2024, two years earlier than planned.
Scauzillo provides a lot more detail on the project and the Gold Line Construction Authority's reaction to the challenges facing the project. Steven Sharp provides additional analysis in a separate article.
FULL STORY: Gold Line extension delayed because of steel tariffs, runaway construction costs, authority says
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