Mayor Jenny Durkan put construction of a route connecting the South Lake Union and First Hill street cars on ice due to a projected multi-million-dollar cost overrun.
The city has launched an independent investigation into the project’s management, according to a press release.
“The City of Seattle has a critical obligation to spend taxpayer dollars wisely and an equal obligation to transparency,” Durkan said in the release. “There are too many questions about the true costs of this project and the risks to taxpayers, which is why we must put the brakes on this project.”
Councilmembers Mike O’Brien and Sally Bagshaw sided with the mayor, signaling their concerns about the project.
Preparations for the project have ripped up First Avenue South. The work will still be used to make seismic improvements on watermains.
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC
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