Sound Transit halts nearly all construction on its multibillion-dollar light rail extension projects
In a reversal, Sound Transit is directing contractors to halt nearly all construction on its system expansion projects until May 4, with discretion to extend or decrease the timeframe.
The agency decided contractors largely were not prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of construction workers amid the COVID-19 health crisis, according to a news release. Sound Transit postponed work on three Eastside light rail projects Friday afternoon before announcing the comprehensive construction suspension Friday evening.
Light rail extension projects make up some of the region’s largest construction projects. The budgeted costs for those currently under construction mount to about $12.1 billion.
Work will continue on the Interstate 90 floating bridge and Mount Baker tunnel, in the streets of the Tacoma Stadium District that is typically highly disruptive to the public, on particular Eastside sidewalks ramps and driveways, to demolish buildings on the Federal Way alignment and at the Operations and Maintenance Facility East. Sound Transit deemed those sites address critical tasks, ensure safety or prevent negative mobility, environmental or other impacts.
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