The joint venture consisting of Fluor Corp., Traylor Bros., and Lane Construction has terminated its work on the $5.6 billion Purple Line rail project in Baltimore, Maryland, as a result of disputes with the state of Maryland over what is claims is $800 million in delay related cost overruns.
The JV, known as Purple Line Transit Partners, received allowance from a Maryland court for this exit, according to a report by dcist.com. This past week has been spent closing unfinished project sites in advance of the JV’s extrication. This situation now leaves the state and the Maryland Transit Administration in a position of having to seek new contractors to restart and potentially completion the project.
The Purple Line Transit Partners had previously announced its intention to leave the project; however, the Maryland Transit Administration subsequently filed a lawsuit last month, the ruling over which demanded the group continue working until at least September 14 or this year.
While the state of Maryland owns the project, the JV was set to operate and maintain the 16-mile light rail line for 30 years. Delays are being estimated, conservatively, at one year on the project, which is presently half complete. Initial scheduling had the line opening in 2002, but that date is no longer viable.
