How the Braga bridge light project went from $8 million to $19.85 million

The Braga Bridge lighting project was expected to cost $8 million, but ended up costing taxpayers nearly $20 million.

Based on official State documents, the total cost of the Braga Bridge lighting project, including all phases, is estimated at around $19.85 million. There is some variation in reported costs, with earlier estimates at $8 million and later mentions of up to $25 million (which was the highest bid), indicating significant cost overruns. The most reliable figure comes from a 2023 Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) presentation, suggesting the final cost is likely close to $19.85 million.

Cost Overview

The lighting project for the Braga Bridge in Fall River involved two phases. Phase 1, completed in 2022, cost $650,000 and included temporary LED lights. Phase 2, which began later, involved more extensive lighting and safety upgrades, with costs escalating from an initial estimate of $7.35 million to $16.8 million by 2023. The total project cost, as per the official MassDOT document from April 2023, is $19,850,997.90, accounting for the bid amount, contingencies, and construction engineering. This figure is the most authoritative, though some sources suggest higher totals, possibly due to additional costs or misinterpretations.

Project Background and Phases

The Braga Bridge, spanning from Fall River to Somerset over the Taunton River on I-195, underwent a lighting project to enhance both aesthetic appeal and safety. The project was divided into two phases:

• Phase 1: Initiated and completed in 2022, this phase involved installing temporary programmable LED lights on the center span of the bridge. According to a 2022 article from the Herald News, this phase cost $650,000 and was part of an estimated $8 million total project cost .
• Phase 2: This phase, which began subsequently, expanded the lighting to cover the entire truss of the bridge, including color-changing LEDs, and included significant safety upgrades such as electrical system replacements and navigation lighting. Reports from 2023 indicate that the cost for Phase 2 escalated, with a contract approved for $16.8 million, doubling the original estimate .

Cost Estimates and Variations

Initial estimates suggested a total project cost of $8 million, with Phase 1 at $650,000, implying Phase 2 was estimated at approximately $7.35 million. However, as the project progressed, costs for Phase 2 increased significantly, leading to discrepancies in reported totals:

A 2022 article from the Herald News estimated the entire project at $8 million, aligning with early planning. By 2023, reports indicated Phase 2 costs had risen to $16.8 million, suggesting a total cost of at least $17.45 million if adding Phase 1’s $650,000.

Official Cost from MassDOT

A critical piece of evidence is the MassDOT presentation dated April 27, 2023, titled “Fall River Braga Bridge Electrical Upgrades and Safety Improvements.” This document, presented to the board, includes a detailed cost breakdown for the lighting project:

The total cost of $19,850,997.90 is explicitly labeled as the “Total Cost of Lighting Project,” suggesting it encompasses all phases, including the bid amount primarily for Phase 2 ($16,844,346.00, close to the $16.8 million contract mentioned), plus contingencies and construction engineering costs. The engineer’s estimate of $11,223,398.00 likely reflects an earlier, lower projection, indicating cost increases as the project advanced.

Given that Phase 1 was completed in 2022 for $650,000, there is some ambiguity about whether this $19.85 million includes Phase 1. However, the document’s title and labeling suggest it is the comprehensive cost for the entire lighting initiative, including all upgrades and safety improvements. The addition of contingencies and engineering costs brings the total above the simple sum of Phase 1 and the Phase 2 bid, supporting the idea that $19.85 million is the final projected cost.

Cost Overruns

The significant increase in Phase 2 costs from an estimated $7.35 million to $16.8 million, and further to $19.85 million with additional costs, indicates substantial cost overruns.