Construction expenses

[kettal]

Why does Toronto's infrastructure projects always end up being built in the least cost effective manner possible?

For example, why do tunnels get built by boring machines through empty fields, rather than cut & cover? How can Metrolinx's estimates for electrifying rail be exponentially higher than comparable projects around the world?

It seems the number one priority in this city is to get as much tax money into the construction industry as possible. I know Montreal has the mafia behind the industry, driving up costs, but what's Toronto's excuse?

 

[kettal]

Also please don't turn this into another lrt vs subway vs bus debate, we have enough threads for that already. Thanks.

 

[rbt]

For example, why do tunnels get built by boring machines through empty fields, rather than cut & cover?

Believe it or not but the track north of Downsview was proposed to be cut/cover and was changed to boring as a cost savings measure.

I believe it too. See new provincial environmental legislation about dirty and clean fill requirements. It appears that with this new law pretty much all dirt removed would need to be disposed of and new clean fill brought in.

How can Metrolinx's estimates for electrifying rail be exponentially higher than comparable projects around the world?

90% of the cost for the LakeShore study is dealing with congestion of trains running every 10 minutes or less plus frequent express service during rush hour. I believe it included in-cab signaling for the entire line and significant capacity expansion.

Upgrading TTC subway signalling has probably been a $2.5B project since 1995 too; and New York is spending billions per year on similar endeavours so that price seems reasonable.