All articles tagged with #infrastructure project
The replacement cost estimate for the Interstate 5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver has been delayed until at least spring 2026 due to the U.S. Coast Guard's decision on whether to include a movable section, which could significantly increase costs. The project, with an initial estimate of $5-7.5 billion, is expected to begin construction in mid to late 2026, with ongoing funding and design considerations.
The federal government has canceled a $4.9 billion loan for the Grain Belt Express project, a significant development in infrastructure funding. The article lacks detailed information about the reasons for the cancellation or the project's specifics.
The Trump administration canceled $4 billion in federal funding for California's high-speed rail project, citing mismanagement and failure to meet goals, prompting California officials to consider legal action amid ongoing political tensions between the state and federal government.
The 101 Freeway through Agoura Hills will undergo nightly closures for the construction of the world's largest wildlife crossing, with all lanes shut down between Chesebro Road and Liberty Canyon Road from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. for several weeks. The crossing aims to connect natural landscapes bisected by the busy highway, providing a safe passage for wildlife and minimizing inbreeding. Costing an estimated $92 million, the project is set to be completed in 2025, and a virtual meeting will be held to share further details.
Philadelphia's Chinatown Stitch project, aimed at capping the Vine Street Expressway to reconnect the divided neighborhood, has received a $158.9 million federal grant. The project, supported by local officials and community leaders, plans to cover the highway with green space and improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The preliminary design and engineering stages are expected to continue through 2025, with construction potentially starting as early as 2027.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major infrastructure project connecting Detroit and Windsor, has a new completion date set for September 2025, with vehicle crossings expected in fall 2025. The $4.9 billion project faced delays and cost increases due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is now back on track, with 2023 being the busiest construction year. The project includes community benefits and enhancements such as cycling lanes, with additional funds allocated to support affected communities. Road construction related to the bridge on I-75 is expected to finish in fall 2024, and the bridge deck is set to connect over the Detroit River this year.
Russian and Chinese business leaders have reportedly discussed the construction of an underwater tunnel connecting Russia and Crimea as an alternative to the existing bridge across the Kerch Strait. The Chinese Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) expressed interest in acting as a general contractor for the project, although Russian business leader Vladimir Kalyuzhny denied any cooperation between Russia and CRCC. The Chinese Communist Party wishes to remain behind the scenes on the tunnel project, potentially due to concerns about Western sanctions. However, the ongoing conflict in the region poses challenges to the construction of such a massive infrastructure project.
Russian and Chinese business leaders, with government connections, have reportedly discussed the construction of an underwater tunnel connecting Crimea to Russia as a safer alternative transportation route. The project, aimed at maintaining Russia's hold on Crimea, raises political and financial risks for China, which has not recognized Russia's claim of sovereignty over the region. The discussions included meetings and the creation of a consortium in Crimea, but the involved parties expressed a desire to keep their involvement secret. While technically feasible, experts note that a similar project in a warzone has never been attempted and would take years to complete and cost billions of dollars.
China has completed the world's largest hydro-solar power plant, the Kela photovoltaic (PV) power station, which combines solar with hydro-electric power production at a high altitude. The project was initiated in 2016 and was constructed by PowerChina Chengdu. With this project, China is taking a step towards achieving its environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with his Saudi, Emirati, and Indian counterparts to discuss a rail and port network linking the Gulf states and India, without Israel at the table. The idea reportedly arose during meetings of the I2U2 forum, which includes Israel, India, the US, and UAE, though Israel was not part of Sunday’s discussion. The Chinese project also poses a major challenge to India, as its Chinese rival seeks to capture a far greater share of trade flows from Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe.