Frequently Asked Questions

Cost to Construct

How much will it cost to build the Red Line?

The actual price tag varies depending on which alternative and mode is chosen for implementation. The capital cost estimates for the Red Line build alternatives are as follows:  (2007 dollars)

Alternative 2: $281,000,000

Alternative 3A: $545,000,000

Alternative 3B: $1,019,000,000

Alternative 3C: $1,151,000,000

Alternative 3D: $2,404,000,000

Alternative 3E: $571,000,000

Alternative 3F: $755,000,000

Alternative 4A: $930,000,000

Alternative 4B: $1,498,000,000

Alternative 4C: $1,631,000,000

Alternative 4D: $2,463,000,000

What are the cost differences between building tunnel and building at-grade?

The cost of tunnel construction is considerably higher than construction costs for surface transitway. Surface construction costs would include such items as tracks and guideway, stations, power supply and communications systems, utility relocation, right-of-way acquisition and other expenses. Tunnel construction would include all of these things as well as a significant amount of additional costs such as boring and excavation, tunnel structures, underground station structures (including mezzanines, elevators and escalators), ventilation systems, emergency access shafts, fire protection systems, waterproofing and other expenses. As a result of the additional requirements for tunnel construction, the cost of building transit alignments in tunnels can be from four times to eight times more expensive than surface alignments. These cost differences need to be taken into consideration to ensure that the proposed transit system is cost-effective while providing a useful and efficient service.