Reconstruction For Collapsed 26th Street Estimated At More Than $18.5 Million
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Cost of the collapse. City officials release a staggering price tag to fix 26th Street after the massive landslide last month. Now the question is: who is paying for the repairs?
Rochelle Ritchie has the details.
The Department of Transportation says it will present its costs to the Board of Estimates on Wednesday. However, DOT has not said whether CSX will take on any financial responsibility.
It's been more than three weeks since 26th Street came crumbling down onto CSX tracks below.
Now DOT has estimated just how much it will cost to rebuild: "$18.6 million," said William Johnson, DOT.
To be exact, $18,563,863.
Here is a breakdown of the cost:
- Temporary wall: $5,375,300
- Permanent wall: $10,641,183
- Street reconstruction: $1,507, 380
- Engineering design and force account: $1,040,000
While the price tag for the restoration of 26th Street is certainly well above $18 million, DOT says taxpayers will not have to foot the bill.
Besides construction costs, officials say the city will pay an additional $90,000 for external expenses, such as personnel and city-owned equipment.
"We believe, based on our most recent budget projections, that we will have sufficient funding sources available to cover the cost here," said Harold Black, DOT.
It was April 30 when cell phone video captured the unbelievable collapse. Vehicles tumbled on the tracks like toy cars. The mangled frames were later pulled from the rubble.
"We knew it was gonna happen. I mean we've been watching it for years," one resident said.
Residents who live less than 100 feet from the collapse have been evacuated. They were told it could be 40 days before they're allowed to return home.
Officials say now they should be back home before or on June 15.
Construction crews continue to work around the clock.
DOT officials still have not said what exactly caused the road collapse but believe heavy rain contributed to it.
Other Local News:
