Over-budget and running late, Bayers Lake underpass will be completed
Posted Jan 26, 2011 05:14:09 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HRM council has decided not to leave Bayers Lake with an underpass to nowhere.
The original cost estimate for the Washmill Lake Court underpass project was $10 million. Now it’s closer to $18 million and HRM staff say the city’s on the hook for an extra $4 million.
After a lengthy debate Tuesday, councillors voted to bite the bullet and finish the third entrance to the business park – even though it’s gone over-budget and there’s no plan to pay for the cost overrun.
“This has been a real screw-up, if I might use that word,” said Coun. Gloria McCluskey.
McCluskey was among the councillors in favour of giving up, leaving the multi-million dollar project as a monument to bad decisions – but others argued the project must be finished.
“Beyond any reasonable shadow of doubt, this has been a bad experience,” said Coun. Steve Streatch. “If you want a scapegoat, let’s have a public lynching or fire somebody, but let’s not make the project the scapegoat.
The final decision was to apply for an extension on federal funding, commit to finishing the work and ask staff to suggest how it be paid for.
The final vote was 17-4 in favour, with councillors Barkhouse, McCluskey, Sloane and Watts voting against completing the project.
