The estimated cost of replacing the Western Hills Viaduct has nearly doubled since the last publicly announced projection. City officials confirmed to WVXU the total project is currently estimated at about $785.6 million, up from $398 million estimated in 2022.
The two-deck viaduct was built in 1932 and currently accommodates about 55,000 vehicles a day. Its condition is poor and local officials have been working to replace it for over a decade. The city will build a new viaduct to the immediate south, with the existing bridge remaining until the new one is open to traffic.
The city’s Department of Transportation and Engineering refused to provide the latest estimated cost to City Council members who asked during a committee meeting in mid-November…