Portland is a PR machine for light rail & streetcar

Here are Some Facts About Portland Oregon          

“It must always be remembered how cost-effectiveness works in the public sector: the cost IS the benefit.” - author unknown

Actual Cost of an Actual Elevated Freeway

Robert Poole, Reason, August 1, 2006:

I asked THCEA to work with Figg to come up with generic cost estimates for elevated express lanes projects using this design approach. Assuming zero right of way costs but including design, construction management, and a contingency, the figures they gave me (based on today's materials costs) are $18 million per lane-mile for a two-lane facility, $15 million per lane-mile for a three-lane facility, and $13.6 million per lane-mile for a four-lane elevated facility. These figures apply to a modest-length facility in the 5-10 mile range. The per-mile cost would be lower for longer projects. Costs would be higher if there were a lot of on-ramps and off-ramps. But express lanes are intended for relatively long trips, not the kind of short on-and-off trips that clog up many of our freeways. So a lot fewer on- and off-ramps would be needed than for the freeway itself..  (Bold added)

Cost from above:

$18 million per lane-mile for a two-lane facility

$15 million per lane-mile for a three-lane facility

$13.6 million per lane-mile for a four-lane facility

Conclusion:

An elevated expressway should cost under $14 million/lane-mile.

Also: The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Tampa   (pdf)

Martin Stone, Ph.D.,AICP, project manager of the Tampa Florida elevated expressway:

The original cost of the elevated portion of our project (5.5 miles long) was less than $120 million of the total project. So, even with the foundation reinforcements, the entire elevated part of our express lanes only cost about $240 million – less than $14 million per lane mile for 27.5 lane miles of the elevated segmental bridge portion of the express lanes. (Bold added)