Hawaii rail builders have launched a lawsuit against local authorities, alleging mismanagement and costly delays on the Skyline rail project. The legal battle underscores the project’s ongoing challenges. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Hawaii rail builders
A Skyline system train in Honolulu, Hawaii, US. (Image courtesy HART)

Hawaii Rail Builders Claim Mismanagement Increased Costs

The Hitachi Rail Honolulu Joint Venture (HRH), a partnership between two Hitachi subsidiaries, seeks $324 million in damages from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART). HRH claims HART’s failures led to major cost overruns and project delays. Since beginning work in 2011, HRH has faced repeated challenges, including resolving compatibility issues with tracks installed by other contractors.

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The complaint alleges HART allowed incompatible rail tracks, forcing HRH to absorb tens of millions in additional expenses. Moreover, HRH claims it was directed to mobilize an operations workforce prematurely, costing the company over $92 million.

Legal Issues Add to Skyline Rail Project Delays

The $10 billion Skyline rail project, designed to connect 19 stations across Honolulu, has faced years of delays. The first phase, completed in 2023, was five years late. Further phases, including segment two and segment three, are now expected to finish by 2025 and 2031, respectively.

HART’s inability to coordinate contractors effectively, according to HRH, has caused cascading delays and budget increases. The project involves multiple contractors, including Kiewit Pacific and Shimmick/Traylor/Granite JV, tasked with building elevated guideways, stations, and tracks.

This lawsuit adds to the Skyline rail project’s mounting legal and financial troubles, raising questions about its future viability.

Source: www.constructionbriefing.com

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