jmvd20
Well-Known Member
The environmental impact studies would be a very small percentage of the overall cost of the project. However the engineers, architects, and project management does indeed add the "red tape" costs that you mention.
Also contrary to what is always stated, the beams, and footers would not be the highest cost to install the system. The trains, stations, and electrical systems are the most expensive component. I know that people always bring up the soil conditions and the swampy areas etc... but that is not as big of an issue as some think.
Drilled caisson foundations are quick, and relatively cheap to install so the upper soil conditions aren't a huge factor. Just to offer some comparisons here is a general breakdown of the Seattle Green Line project costs.
Overall costs = 1.25 billion
Trains, electrical, stations, maintenance facilities = 490 million
Beams and foundations, guideways, and rails = 290 million (note: these run through the heart of a major metropolitan area and would be much more difficult and expensive to install than those at WDW)
Design and administration = 235 million
The remaining costs were acquiring land, relocating existing utilities, etc...
Everything is speculation when it comes down to how much the system at WDW would cost per mile. I estimate construction projects everyday and really do not feel the least bit comfortable with trying to give an estimated cost per mile, though I can say it SHOULD be somewhere between $5.19 and 250 million a mile. :lookaroun
