Not enough money in budget to cover unexpected costs for Lagimodiere overpass: report

The Lagimodiere overpass project remains on time and on budget, but a report says there isn’t much money available if the project does go over budget.

The Lagimodiere Twin Overpasses Rehabilitation Project is on time and currently on budget, but a new report reveals there isn’t much money left if the project goes over budget.

The city is doing work on the bridge that goes over Concordia Avenue to increase the bridge’s lifespan by 50 years. The entire project is expected to cost just over $51 million.

However, a new report set to be discussed at the city’s standing policy committee on finance and economic development notes bids for the project were higher than expected, which has resulted in less money available if the project exceeds its original budget.

Construction costs came in at $6.2 million higher than first anticipated.

“Having little money set aside for unexpected costs creates risk if problems come up. The main expected risks are related to the railway, traffic disruptions, and higher construction and material costs. If more funding is needed, other funding sources will need to be found for this project,” the report reads.

The team working on the construction project is reviewing how much more money would be needed to cover unexpected costs and plans to present updated costs in the future.

The report said money needed to deal with unexpected costs should be budgeted at around five to 10 per cent of the total cost of the project.

Work is currently underway on the southbound part of the bridge, with drainage work starting in the spring. Northbound work is expected to start in 2027.

The entirety of the project is scheduled to be finished by Oct. 31, 2027.

The report will be discussed on March 6.