Sound Transit ready to close final construction contract for Central Link project

Seattle's Sound Transit staff has decided on the cost to close out the last major construction contract for the Central Link light rail initial segment. With the decision, the total estimated project cost of $2.32 billion brings the project in at about $117 million below the $2.436 billion baseline budget established in 2001. The project opened on time in July 2009, consistent with the schedule adopted in 2001. "We are poised to close the books on one of the most significant transportation investments in this region," said Ahmad Fazel, Sound Transit executive director of design, engineering and construction management. "This was a challenging project and we're proud to have delivered it on time and under budget." Sound Transit contractor RCI-Herzog had originally sought $137 million as part of its claim for work the contractor performed building the 4.3-mile light rail segment through the Rainier Valley in southeast Seattle. This week, an independent arbitration panel awarded the contractor approximately $66 million. Because Sound Transit had already paid approximately $17 million as part of an interim settlement for the work, the contractor will receive approximately $49 million from the award during contract closeout. While rebuilding the roadway, sidewalks and constructing the new light rail right of way and stations, the contractor encountered significant challenges. These included more contaminated soil than expected, underground utility conflicts and other design issues to complete the segment in time for the July 2009 opening.