Port Authority has reduced its estimate of the final cost of the North Shore Connector by $10 million, citing management efficiencies.

The new projected cost is $528.8 million, which is a savings of $24 million since last May. The latest cut means the authority has funding to cover all of the projected construction costs. The only remaining shortfall is for any unexpected occurrences that would drive the costs back up, said Winston Simmonds, the authority's rail operations/engineering officer.

The project will link the Downtown subway with two new stations near PNC Park and Heinz Field via tunnels beneath the Allegheny River. In February 2009 the connector faced a $117.8 million funding gap and there were fears the project might be halted in mid-construction.

In addition to reductions from recent construction bids that came in lower than expected, the project got $62.5 million in federal economic stimulus funds to keep it on track for an opening that is now projected for early 2012. The project is 70 percent complete.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.