Bermuda's National Stadium complex will have cost more than $50 million by the time it finally opens in 2001.

And phase one of the huge development -- including the athletics track and cricket pitch -- is now running more than six months late.

Backers say a number of hurdles have delayed the Frog Lane complex.

Problems have included Planning hurdles, with developers forced to conduct a traffic survey, and humid weather conditions which delayed track resurfacing.

The entire sports centre was projected to cost $46 million last March. But the original blueprint forecast an outlay of just $9 million.

Trustees' vice-chairman Charles Marshall revealed the stadium pricetag had already grown to between $48 million and $50 million.

Any unforeseen expenses were likely to send the total cost over the $50 million mark.

"The upgraded cost will be announced at our next regular board meeting,'' he said. "Phase one will now be finished either late this year or early in 2000.

"We had originally planned for summer 1999.'' But Mr. Marshall insisted the development was still on track to showcase its facilities in a grand opening some time before October, 2001.

Construction work on phase two, which includes the sports centre's main building, will start early next year.

That project includes a triple gymnasium and 50-metre Olympic size swimming pool.

Mr. Marshall added: "The model of exactly what we are planning is now on show in the Washington Mall.

"We're hoping to start with phase two around February, 2000 but the detailed plans won't be finalised until October.'' He said the running track should be ready by the end of this month.

"We apologise that it won't be available for the International 10K on January 16,'' he said. "But it's better to be certain that the track will be top class when it is finally ready.

"We wouldn't want to have to rip it up again.'' The surface has already had to be relaid three times because of drainage problems.

Experts, under the guidance of Canadian contractors Johnston Sports Architecture, have now laid on the electricity supply and drainage pipes.

Four layers of the running track have also been put down, with just the top level, a sealant and track markings to be added.

Mr. Marshall added: "For the average person, the weather in December was brilliant.

"But it was humid and there was moisture in the ground. There is only a short window available during the day when the ground is dry enough for the surface to be laid.

"That's what caused the delays with the track.'' He said the cricket wicket and practice wickets would be laid in April, while a tender to build the cricket pavilion would be advertised later this month or in February.

"We're looking at a completion date for all the cricket facilities some time in November,'' he said. "We're a little bit behind schedule because the Planning Department asked us to do a traffic survey before they would give us permission to proceed with the pavilion.

"That was done over Christmas and the provisional draft report has now been completed.'' Mr. Marshall said the trustees had already briefed new Sports Minister Dennis Lister and were now hoping to make a presentation to the entire Cabinet.