The $116 million project, only 19% complete, has been halted since October 2020, leaving residents wondering about its future.
A massive construction project along Route 140 in Taunton, Massachusetts, has come to a standstill, leaving weeds to grow and materials to sit idle. The project, which is only 19% complete, is causing frustration among residents and commuters who pass by the site regularly. The construction barriers bear the name “Cardi,” referring to Cardi Corporation, the Rhode Island-based company that began work in 2020 but abruptly stopped on October 27. With a price tag of $116 million, funded by taxpayer money from a federal highway program, the project involves redoing the Route 24 overpass and rerouting highway ramps to accommodate future development, including a casino and a new train station. As the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) negotiates with a new contractor to resume work, residents are left wondering when and by whom the project will be completed.
A Costly Project with Limited Progress
The staggering cost of $116 million reflects the scale and scope of the project. The construction work involves significant infrastructure changes, including the reconstruction of the Route 24 overpass and the realignment of highway ramps. These modifications are crucial to support the anticipated development of a large casino and a new train station. However, despite the hefty price tag, the project remains at a mere 19% completion. The lack of progress has raised concerns among taxpayers and residents, who are questioning the accountability and efficiency of the construction process.
Negotiations for a New Contractor
MassDOT has confirmed that it is currently in negotiations with a new contractor to take over the project and bring it to completion. The department has expressed its commitment to finding a suitable replacement for Cardi Corporation, which has ceased working on the site and has no other ongoing projects with MassDOT. The negotiations aim to expedite the process and ensure that the remaining work is finished promptly. However, the timeline for securing a new contractor and resuming construction remains uncertain, leaving residents in a state of limbo.
Mayor’s Statement and City’s Involvement
Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell has addressed the concerns surrounding the stalled project, emphasizing that it falls under the jurisdiction of state departments and agencies. While the City of Taunton collaborates with MassDOT to address any issues affecting the community, the responsibility for overseeing and directing the project lies solely with the state. Mayor O’Connell expressed hope that the state would swiftly secure a new contractor to complete the remaining work in a timely fashion. Her statement highlights the city’s reliance on state authorities to resolve the situation and deliver a satisfactory outcome for Taunton residents.
Cardi Corporation’s Troubles
As the project remains at a standstill, Cardi Corporation, the original contractor, is facing legal challenges. The company is currently embroiled in several lawsuits filed by unions seeking unpaid fines, along with interest and fees. Over the course of this year alone, at least three lawsuits have been filed in federal court, demanding sums ranging from $100,000 to $460,000 in unpaid fines. This legal predicament further complicates the situation and raises questions about the company’s financial stability and ability to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Community Frustration and Uncertainty
The ongoing delay and lack of progress on the construction project have left Taunton residents frustrated and concerned. The idle construction site, overgrown with weeds, serves as a visible reminder of the stalled project’s impact on the community. Residents are eager for answers regarding when the project will resume and who will take over its completion. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the project has eroded trust and raised doubts about the accountability of all parties involved.
Conclusion:
The construction project along Route 140 in Taunton, Massachusetts, has ground to a halt, leaving residents and commuters exasperated. With only 19% of the project completed, the $116 million endeavor remains unfinished. MassDOT is currently engaged in negotiations to secure a new contractor and ensure the project’s timely completion. However, the lack of progress, coupled with Cardi Corporation’s legal troubles, has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and frustration. Taunton residents anxiously await the resolution of this situation, hoping for a swift and satisfactory outcome that will bring an end to the prolonged construction hiatus.
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