Patch Chat: Is the I-287 Renovation Too Costly?

According to a report by The Journal News, the cost to reconstruct Interstate 287 (I-287) has reached $743 million, with design, inspection and other fees doubling.

The ballooning costs—which include $40.9 million, up from $18 million, for design alone—are mostly attributed to delays in the project, which aims to ease heavy traffic on the Cross-Westchester Expressway between Tarrytown and Harrison, The Journal News reports.

The project—which has taken 14 years and includes replacing bridges over two parkways, as well as five stages of construction—has taken 14 years, and could cost even more before it is completed next year.

While New York State Department of Transportation officials told The Journal News that construction contracts usually end up about 8 to 10 percent over—and that costs rise when the project work scope changes—the reconstruction of I-287 is over budget by 16.3 percent.

 Click here to read the whole story.

What do you think?

• Do you think this project has cost too much? Why or why not?
• Why do you think projects have doubled?
• What should be done in regards to this project, and its budget?

Tells us in the comments box below

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