A pedestrian bridge planned for the Atlanta Falcons NFL team’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium could cost twice its original budget.
In July, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration said the project to build the bridge over Northside Drive would cost no more than $12.8m (€12.3m/£10.4m).
However, Reed and Public Works Commissioner Richard Mendoza recently signed off on a contract, seen by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, that estimates the final cost at $23.2m, 81 per cent more than the original budget.
Speaking recently about the contract, Mendoza maintains that the project budget is still set at $12.8m, as this was the amount approved by legislators earlier in the year.
“This document does not place the city on the hook for that full $23 million,” Mendoza said. “And if the council disapproves, we’re not obligated to pay that additional amount.”
The 70,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium is due to open in time for the 2017 NFL season.
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