If you are in the market for one of your own, the economic downturn has caused tunnel manufacturers to slash prices. One of the bids on the two-mile light rail tunnels that will pass from Capitol Hill to UW and under the Montlake Cut has come in some $86 million under what Sound Transit was planning to pay for the segment. Here’s the Sound Transit announcement. Before you start planning for ways to spend those millions (more station art perhaps?), Seattle Times reminds that Sound Transit has received low bids before only to see problems cause costs to rise and wipe out any savings. Seattle Times also points out that the tunnel extending from downtown to Capitol Hill will be subject to a separate contract so expect more bidding news early next year. In the meantime, ST says it is evaluating the bids it has received on the two-mile Cap Hill to UW line.

And don’t forget tonight’s light rail station forum to discuss community use and the ‘transit oriented development’ process for the Capitol Hill station.

Capitol Hill Transit Oriented Development Forum
When: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Where: Seattle Central, room 4106
What: Topics at this month’s forum will include ST’s Redevelopment Approach and Community Uses.