<P> The cost of light rail construction varies widely , largely depending on the amount of tunneling and elevated structures required . A survey of North American light rail projects shows that costs of most LRT systems range from $15 million to over $100 million per mile . Seattle 's new light rail system is by far the most expensive in the US , at $179 million per mile , since it includes extensive tunneling in poor soil conditions , elevated sections , and stations as deep as 180 feet ( 55 m ) below ground level . This results in costs more typical of subways or rapid transit systems than light rail . At the other end of the scale , four systems ( Baltimore , Maryland ; Camden , New Jersey ; Sacramento , California ; and Salt Lake City , Utah ) incurred construction costs of less than $20 million per mile . Over the US as a whole , excluding Seattle , new light rail construction costs average about $35 million per mile . </P>
<P> The cost of light rail construction varies widely , largely depending on the amount of tunneling and elevated structures required . A survey of North American light rail projects shows that costs of most LRT systems range from $15 million to over $100 million per mile . Seattle 's new light rail system is by far the most expensive in the US , at $179 million per mile , since it includes extensive tunneling in poor soil conditions , elevated sections , and stations as deep as 180 feet ( 55 m ) below ground level . This results in costs more typical of subways or rapid transit systems than light rail . At the other end of the scale , four systems ( Baltimore , Maryland ; Camden , New Jersey ; Sacramento , California ; and Salt Lake City , Utah ) incurred construction costs of less than $20 million per mile . Over the US as a whole , excluding Seattle , new light rail construction costs average about $35 million per mile . </P>
how much does it cost to build a light rail system
how much does it cost to build a light rail system
from $15 million to over $100 million per mile
from $15 million to over $100 million per mile