Oct 14, 2008 12:41 pm US/Eastern
Silver Line 'Little Dig' Could Bring Problems
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Some critics call it the "Little Dig" because of its rising costs and expected headaches.
The proposed
Silver Line bus tunnel in Boston will cost more than $1 billion and rip up streets in some of the city's busiest neighborhoods.
The T doesn't really have a choice - they have to go through with this project.
Under a legal agreement as part of the Big Dig -- the T must move ahead with it. But the price tag is a major concern with riders who are already facing a fare hike next year.
The proposed tunnel would run through the Back Bay -- Chinatown and South Station.
See a map of the tunnel route.
So, once completed, the tunnel would connect the
two existing Silver Lines, bridging South Boston's waterfront and the airport with nearly the rest of the city.
But problems include opposition from residents along Boylston Street -- including Emerson College -- because construction of the tunnel could take at least 5 years.
The major problem is funding.
The T is asking the federal government for half of the billion dollar price tag -- and the agency would possibly have to borrow the rest. That means T riders would likely end up paying for it in the long run.
Public hearings on this project are set to begin later this fall.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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