Alternatives for the above-ground transit center entrance to be explored

On Monday, January 28th, there was an announcement about the Fulton Street Transit Center. Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Executive Director Elliot Sander said escalating construction costs could force the agency to do away with plans for what some are calling the "Grand Central of Lower Manhattan" -- the domed roof of the Fulton Street Transit Center.

The MTA said the price tag for the project has skyrocketed to $1.15 billion from an original estimate of $750 million. "I am sad to say that we cannot build the transit center as currently envisioned in this market," Sander told the New York Times. Over the last four years, the construction price index has risen unexpectedly by about 6 percent a year. Officials were unclear as to what will go on the top of the station now. According to the Times, the announcement raises the possibility of a more modest entrance to the building. The NY Sun reports the MTA is looking at several options and will make a decision in the next 30 days. Community boards and civic groups will be consulted.

Work on the underground subway terminal is proceeding; several underground portions have been completed or are close to being finished, but the entire station won't be completed now until October 2010, three years after the originally promised completion date. Work began on the Transit Center in 2005; it will eventually serve 200,000 commuters on 12 subway lines that will be linked by the new hub.