The economic benefits would outweigh the $5.3 billion price tag to replace the I-84 viaduct in Hartford, according to an economic value analysis released Tuesday.
The report, which calls the replacement “expensive, but essential,” comes as a decision about the future of the aging viaduct looms. Among the alternatives the state is facing for rebuilding the viaduct: Building a tunnel or building a lower section of highway.
The study was conducted by the state Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Policy & Planning along with consulting firm CDM Smith. It looks at the issue in two ways.
Using a cost-benefit analysis, the report concluded that replacing the viaduct would result in more than $9 billion in benefits, like reduced travel time, fewer accidents and congestion, and lower vehicle operating costs.
And using a second method, called economic impact assessment, the report concludes that replacement would yield $10.2 billion in business sales and output over three decades.
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