These are the world’s costliest construction projects. It is astounding just how much money was poured into building some of the most iconic structures ever seen on Earth. Below are listed the ten costliest building projects.
10 Most Costly Construction Projects
10. The Channel Tunnel
At an estimated cost of $22.4 billion, Britain and France’s 31.4-mile long Channel Tunnel offers people the fastest way to cross between continental Europe and Great Britain – submerged beneath the English Channel!
However, the actual cost was 80% more than anticipated due to increasing safety, security and environmental requirements. Construction on this massive undertaking began in 1988 and started running commercially in 1994 – costing $22.4 billion with its 31.4 mile-long Channel Tunnel connecting Britain and France and submerged beneath the English Channel as one of the main means of crossing that maritime border between them both.
9. The Big Dig
The Big Dig commenced planning of key roadway rerouting efforts starting in 1982 and cost approximately $23 billion.
Project completion came on December 29, 2007–ten years late and over budget by millions.
8. Apollo Space Programme
Apollo’s $25.4 billion space program ranks eighth. This massive undertaking included the 1969 moon landing, an astounding technological and endurance achievement. Once colonization had taken place on the moon, enthusiasm eventually subsided and it was determined that such costly efforts weren’t worth continuing.
7. Kansai International Airport
Kansai International Airport in Osaka has an estimated market value of $29 billion and sits atop Japan’s second-largest city.
Planning, which began in the 1960s, represents an astounding engineering accomplishment. Set on an artificial island in the sea, its foundation should provide protection from earthquakes or any “freak events”.
Metal support columns and other support components accounted for the bulk of expenditures, while in 2012 an additional terminal was opened with free shuttle service connecting it with its counterpart terminal.
6. California High-Speed Rail
Work began in 2015 and cost $98.5 billion – well exceeding its initial estimate. The high-speed railway is projected to connect major US cities between San Francisco and Los Angeles with speeds reaching 220 mph.
5. Dubailand
Dubailand First announced in 2003, Dubailand costs more than $76 billion to date and remains uncompleted; nonetheless it remains one of the costliest projects ever undertaken.
Dubai decided it needed an attraction geared toward families, and the family-friendly Dubai Park & Ride is here.
4. King Abdullah Economic City
Staying within the Middle East, this estimated metropolis in Saudi Arabia costs an estimated cost of $95 billion and will eventually house 2 million people – making it larger than Washington, D.C.
Mecca is just one hour away, with Jeddah poised to become one of the top tourist spots in Saudi Arabia with villas, an international airport, colleges and other amenities planned for development.
3. Kashagan Field
Since their discovery as one of Caspian Sea’s biggest oil finds, valued at $116 billion, the Kashagan Fields have seen continuous development.
Construction-related challenges related to artificial islands have included leaks and issues with drilling into high-pressure oil fields. 13 billion barrels are expected to be produced during operations which begin in 2017-18.
2. International Space Station
The International Space Station travels around our planet, stimulating interest in space exploration. Astronauts provide invaluable data that contributes to science research at only around PS150 billion cost – an incredible value proposition! NASA-led initiative with UK and Russia both playing pivotal roles.
1. Interstate Highway System
At $459 billion, this American infrastructure project connects over 47,000 miles of roads – still making it the costliest building endeavor to date.
Work on this national defense initiative began under President Dwight D. Eisenhower and took approximately 35 years. It provided more access points and exits during times of conflict, making this critical for national defense.
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