The Port Authority board of directors today approved construction of twin light-rail tunnels under the Allegheny River to connect Downtown service with the North Side.

The vote was 5-2, with James Dodaro and Joan Ellenbogen opposed. The dissenters were concerned about moving forward with the expensive project while the authority faces problems with its current operating budget.

But proponents noted that postponing action could jeopardize millions in federal subsidies that are paying for most of the project.

The contract approved today is for $156.5 million and will go to North Shore Constructors, a joint venture of the local Trumbull Corp. and Obayashi Corp. of San Francisco. They will build the tunnels and do work on the North Side T station.

The contract is the first of 16 that will be needed to complete the $435 million project.

Work is expected to begin in the fall.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.