Research Triangle Park, N.C. - The Triangle Transit Authority today released preliminary cost estimates for the Regional Rail Project as part of their 90% project design.

That estimate, $689M (2005 dollars), represents the 90% construction cost. This preliminary cost estimate is not the final indicator of the rail project’s final cost.

The 90% cost estimate has risen since the 60% estimate, $631M (2004 dollars), due primarily to the inflationary costs of energy and construction materials—specifically steel and concrete.

In the coming weeks, through a continued effort of value engineering and stakeholder negotiations, TTA will finalize a 100% cost estimate and continue working toward a final project budget to allow the rail project to receive a Full Funding Grant Agreement and move toward construction as quickly as possible.