Guess what....I-485 delayed again

Well...one of the blog's favorite theme's from the past year or so is back.

New delays push completion of I-485 further back. Where and how many times have we read that before, eh?

Story in the October 14th Charlotte Observer:
http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/318586.html

Anyways, here's the scoop on the latest section of I-485 to be delayed. The currently under construction six mile section from NC 16 to NC 115 -- including the large interchange with I-77 near Huntersville -- will not be opened until at least late summer of next year (2008). Originally this section was to open this past March, then this coming December, you get the idea.

And like prior delays, there is some bickering between the contractor (this time Skanska USA Civil Southeast) and NCDOT. The issue this time (not signs) but issues on utility relocation and right of way purchases. The contractor contends that the DOT did not acquire all of the right of way. The state freely admits that the relocation of utilities took longer than expected.

As a result, there's still a lot of concrete to be poured. Skanska has recently built a small concrete plant near Vance Road and some work should start soon.

Oh one last thing, if the $96 million project is delayed. There's a $10,000 day fine to the contractor for each day the opening falls late. The DOT hasn't given Skanska any waivers (yet) and pretty much expects that there will be negotiations as to any fines and fees due (if any) and who is at fault for what delays. (Which of course means more blog entries here!)

So there's one good thing, because of the delays..the gap between the completion of I-485 to I-77 and construction of the missing link to I-85 near University (currently scheduled to begin in 2013) will only be about five years vs. six. (Unless that too - as it already has been - gets delayed.)

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