SHREWSBURY, Mo. (AP) -- The 8-mile extension of the St. Louis region's MetroLink light rail system will open Aug. 26, nine months later than originally projected and $126 million over budget, Metro chief Larry Salci announced Monday.
The extension connects with the existing MetroLink line at Forest Park in St. Louis and runs through the western suburbs of University City, Clayton, Richmond Heights, Brentwood, Maplewood and Shrewsbury.
Nine new stations and 22 new trains are part of the extension, which "will provide more access to jobs, schools, medical facilities, shopping and entertainment destinations throughout the region," said Salci, Metro president and chief executive. Metro officials believe about 19,000 passengers will use the new route each day.
The existing 38-mile MetroLink route runs from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to Lambert Airport west of St. Louis.
Train rides on the new section will be free for the first two days. Those taking trains beyond Forest Park will have to pay, Metro spokeswoman Dianne Williams said.
Starting Aug. 28, riders on the new line will also have to pay. That day, MetroLink fares systemwide increase to $2 one-way from $1.75. Metro also operates the region's bus line, and those fares will remain at $1.75, Salci said.
Construction of the extension began in the spring of 2003 under the direction of four engineering firms collectively known as Cross County Collaborative. The project was expected to cost $550 million.
But in August 2004, citing delays, construction miscalculations and significant cost overruns, Salci fired Cross County Collaborative and Metro took over the construction project. Metro sued the group, which countersued, claiming Metro failed to honor its contract and owed the group money.
The project was funded with a sales tax approved by voters in St. Louis city and county, and Salci said no tax increase will be necessary despite the higher-than-expected cost.
"This is a significant point in our time," St. Louis County Executive Charles Dooley said. "No large metropolitan area can move forward unless a mass transit system is in place."
------
On the Net:
Metro: <a href="http://www.metrostlouis.org">www.metrostlouis.org</a>