Light-rail tunnel work not to blame for condo damage in Minneapolis

The Southwest Light Rail project has ballooned to $2.75 billion.

Some air might be let out of the ballooning cost of the Southwest light-rail project in Minneapolis.

Work on a key tunnel was stalled in February when problems cropped up at a nearby condominium building. Cracks in the building were discovered and there was a water main break. On April 12 engineers said it was safe for workers to return to the light-rail tunnel site.

The Metropolitan Council hired Socotec to investigate the scene at the condos, and the firm unveiled preliminary findings to members of the condo board. Engineers are saying the tunnel construction played a minimal role in the damage, if any. Seasonal temperatures and thermal conditions at the condo towers are mostly to blame. Condo owners said the property had no issues until tunnel construction began.

The delay in construction has contributed to a spike in the cost of the Southwest light-rail project.

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