City seeks bids for rail line's first phase
POSTED: Friday, February 06, 2009
The city is accepting bids for construction for its $4 billion rail transit system, paving the way for Mayor Mufi Hannemann's goal of a groundbreaking later this year.
On the Net» The city's request for the first phase of construction will be available online at www.honolulu.gov/pur/index.htm. |
The first segment, from the starting point in East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands in Pearl City, totals 6.5 miles at an estimated construction cost of $550 million to $600 million.
The contract would cover track installation, road surface restoration and construction of a viaduct. The stations would be constructed in another contract.
“;This is a significant milestone and a tremendous step forward,”; Hannemann said Tuesday. “;Procurement of the guideway contractor is a major, affirmative step in our goal to break ground by the end of this year. This is also a clear signal to officials in Washington, D.C., that Honolulu is serious about rail transit this time.”;
Contractors will have until March 13 to respond, and the selection process will take about six months. The city expects to announce the winning firm in the fall.
The city will also ask for additional bids this year to design rail stations and a maintenance yard in Kapolei. Additionally, the city is also scheduled to buy the trains, traction power and train control systems.
