Editorial: Delays, delays, delays

While Bonita Springs City Council members have no influence on the widening of U.S. 41 since it is a state program, they constantly are hit with critical barbs because the project is so far behind schedule.

Widening began in September 2003 and it should have been completed last fall. State officials said Thursday that the company has now acknowleged it will miss the latest deadline coming this week and set late July as a new date to get all lanes open — leaving final touch-up stages for the medians and other extraneous jobs.

While this new yet still late date actually appears reachable, few are willing to gamble on a project already more than six months late. It remains a running, multi-million dollar joke.

Astaldi Construction of Italy has been on the job nearly three years. Even though $6,078 in penalties ring up each day now, and the state sounds more and more ominous about financial penalities, the company has been paid millions — and prepares for another major Southwest Florida project.

The company has refused phone requests for comment on Bonita's progress and how the company would make sure its future Immokalee Road project would stay on schedule in Collier County.

Collier officials say Astaldi has assured that different management will be in place for the Immokalee Road project. Really? Then how stupid the Florida Department of Transportation must feel, since it couldn't get the same service.