Silver Spring Transit Center Cost Increased by $11 Million

Construction for The Paul S. Sarbanes Center in Silver Spring remains at a halt, but the price tag has increased by $11 million. The total cost for the project now stands at $112 million.

The increased funds for the project were used for changes to the construction plans and additional inspections totaling $3.2 million and another $7 million in unexpected changes to utility work and construction, according to a Washington Post report.

In August of 2011, county officials and workers noticed eight areas on the platform that were flaking because of the lack of concrete over the reinforcement. This made the platform subject to heat, it thawed and then cracked, David Dise, director for Montgomery County General Services said.

The project had specifications for 10-inches of concrete but parts of the second and third floor were laid with 8 inches and 11 inches.

Once the transit center is completed it is expected to serve as the central location for commuters to access taxis, Ride On, Metro bus and the MARC train in Silver Spring.

The cost of the project is being paid for through government bonds, local tax revenue, federal government funding, State of Maryland funding and by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Comission (WSSC), according to the report.

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