"And the Portland Streetcar project, of which TriMet is a partner, is currently five months behind schedule."

It should be noted that it is the delivery of the locally-made streetcar vehicles that is behind schedule. The trackwork, electrical, stations, signalling, etc., are currently on schedule. (But that does show just how any one category can affect the opening date of an entire project.)

Earlier in July, TriMet's Project Director Robert Barnard (quoted in the article) gave a "Bridge School" presentation, which I recorded and posted to YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4VjXULtqck

(If the link does not show, go to YouTube and search for: TriMet Bridge School)