North Shore Connector makes progress

As of this morning, Port Authority has reached a milestone in their North Shore Connector project, mining 2000 feet of the tunnels. Port Authority Rail Operations Officer Winston Simmonds says there is only 230 more feet to mine, which should be finished by next week. While the most complex part of the project will soon be complete, Simmonds says there is still a long way to go, with contractors having to put in railing and electricity. The tunnels are on schedule to open to the public in December 2011. Upon completion, the light rail transit extension will provide a route from the North Shore to downtown Pittsburgh.

Port Authority Gets Bids for North Shore T Station

The Port Authority of Allegheny County received four bids for the new Allegheny T Station on the North Shore ranging from $39 to $42 million. Although a contract will therefore exceed the original estimate of $30 million by about 30%, it could have been worse, according to Winston Simmonds, Rail Operations and Engineering Officer. Concrete and fuel prices are up, he says, and fabricated steel is 50% more costly this year.

Simmonds says the Port Authority is trying to mitigate costs in any way possible, e.g., by allowing a concrete alternative (to steel) for the Allegheny Station bid and by closing the Gateway Station completely during construction so the contractor can save money by having complete access.

The Port Authority will review the low bid of $39.8 million from Brayman Construction of Saxonburg, PA, along with a prior bid for the Gateway Station, with the goal of seeking board approval in July for awarding both contracts. Simmonds says the North Shore Connector will be a valuable regional asset, opening up opportunities for possible northward expansion in the future.