Material Cost Increases

Due to continuing escalation of construction materials and fuel prices, the cost to deliver the West Corridor is estimated at $707 million.  Major construction projects nationally and globally are being negatively impacted by dramatic cost spikes in steel, concrete, copper, labor and fuel, which are affecting bid prices.  In a time when many public entities are having to forego or delay their infrastructure projects, RTD is still committed to building the West Corridor within the established schedule and within the financial capacity provided by voters.

FTA has committed an additional $18 million in New Starts funding for the West Corridor to help compensate for unanticipated market increases.  In addition, RTD will accommodate the increased costs by deferring some non-essential project elements and reallocating available monies within the overall FasTracks budget. There is a contingency reserve built into the West Corridor budget, and if contingency funds are available toward the end of project construction, West Corridor stakeholders will work with RTD to prioritize the elements to be restored in the project.

The deferments are not service critical elements and include some items that RTD would like to implement, but is willing to defer since they aren't essential to the project.  They include things like simplifying canopy designs and reducing station amenities including benches, windscreens and bike racks.

Even with the deferments we've been forced to make, RTD is being fiscally responsible while maintaining the essential elements of the West Corridor project and general integrity of the FasTracks plan - getting from point A to point B, and providing stations and parking.