North Shore Connector on Schedule for 2012 Opening

Work on an underground tunnel and extension of Pittsburgh's light rail line is under budget and on track for its March 2012 opening.

That's according to project manager Keith Wargo, who says construction of the North Shore Connector is about three-quarters completed. The 1.2 miles extension of the city's light rail line will take passengers under the Allegheny River to the city's North Shore, which is home to Heinz Field, PNC Park and other attractions.

Wargo says the $528.8 million project is so far $1.9 million under budget.  A recent wiring flaw upped the cost of the project by more than $1 million.

In 2001, the project was originally estimated to cost $390 million.

Opponents of the project have said it is too costly and that cost overruns have been unacceptable.