Commuter Rail Project Over Ben Franklin Bridge to Cost More

Delaware River Port Authority officials say rebuilding the PATCO commuter train line over the Ben Franklin Bridge will cost $102.8 million, or 47 percent more than expected.But they also say the higher price tag won't mean higher bridge tolls or an increase in the DRPA's five-year spending plan. That's because other recent construction projects came in cheaper than planned.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the PATCO project was approved Wednesday by DRPA board committees. If it the full DRPA board approves it next week, construction will begin in August.

The plan to overhaul the bridge railroad, which opened in 1936, calls for replacing tracks, ties, power and signal systems, train control and communication systems.

The work should take about 27 months to complete. PATCO trains will operate during construction.

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