FasTracks plans falling behind, often by years
David Montero, Rocky Mountain News
Published December 20, 2006 at midnight
Construction studies for the massive FasTracks transportation project are behind schedule as much as three years on one line and lagging on others, according to a recently released report by the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
The report, presented at the Monday DRCOG Transportation Advisory Committee, showed the ambitious project's Interstate 225 route the furthest behind at three years, while the North Metro line is 1 1/2 years off schedule.
Causes for the delays include a decision to separate the highway and rail systems along U.S. 36, as well as on the Interstate 70 route that would take riders between Union Station and Denver International Airport. Another delay was the master plan for the redevelopment of Union Station, which is still awaiting final approval.
But DRCOG planning manager Steve Rudy said "overall this is a favorable report" for RTD and FasTracks.
However, he warned, when DRCOG issues its annual review next year, "attention needs to be paid to diligently initiating . . . remaining studies . . . without further delay."
FasTracks spokeswoman Pau-letta Tonilas said the important thing to remember for the public is that the entire $4.7 billion rail system is scheduled to be completed on time in 2017.
"While some of the corridors aren't exactly where we had them (scheduled as) being completed in the original plan, please keep in mind the big picture," she said.
Tonilas said rising construction and material costs add to the delays outlined by DRCOG's analysis. But DRCOG's report said that cost overruns for a project of this magnitude "are not substantial."
Other FasTracks routes lagging:
• Northwest Rail environmental impact statement is three years behind.
• East corridor and central corridor extension environmental impact statement is two years behind schedule.
• Gold Line environmental impact statement is 1 1/2 years behind schedule.
monterod@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5236
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