Arrival of

Confirming days of speculation that had been building through Virginia’s Hampton Roads region, Hampton Roads Transit President Philip Shucet on Thursday said opening day for The Tide light rail transit originally set for May, would be delayed.

The 7-mile project located in Norfolk has been plagued by budget irregularities and cost overruns, and now is expected to carry a price tag of $338 million.

In a statement, Shucet said, “On December 3, 2010 I notified the Federal Transit Administration and the Commission of my concerns regarding the completion of our electrical and safety systems contract. The successful completion of the electrical and safety systems components of The Tide is essential to opening and operating a safe system in May.

"In that same December 3 notification I advised the FTA and the Commission that we would continue to closely monitor the schedule through the end of the year and that I would meet with key executives today, January 6, for a thorough and complete evaluation of our entire project schedule including the important safety components. In the spirit of full disclosure and transparency, after our review today I know that we will not be able to properly complete all work necessary to open in May.

"Unfortunately what I don’t know today is when we will be able to open.

"I have repeatedly said that we will not exceed the cost to complete of $338 million. My faith in that number remains strong and my commitment to that number has not wavered,” Shucet said.