SHORT TAKES:Airport construction delays save travelers money

Rising construction costs have pushed the budget for an expansion project at John Wayne Airport up by $140 million, but travelers won’t have to absorb any of the increase, airport officials said.

Work began in January on the first phase of an expansion and maintenance project that was expected to be done by 2012. It includes a six-gate passenger terminal, more parking and revamped overnight parking for aircraft.

Estimates in 2004 put the project at $512 million, but officials recently learned higher construction costs will push the total to $652 million, airport spokeswoman Courtney Wiercioch said.

By moving around the construction schedule and starting some work later, the airport can pay for the added costs without looking for new funds, Wiercioch said. The final project, one of two parking garages, probably won’t begin construction until 2012 under the new schedule.

— Alicia Robinson