In the process, further extensions were planned and in 1975 spending was expected to reach reached $1.6 billion ($7.3 billion in 2016). Faced with these soaring costs, the Government of Quebec declared a moratorium May 19, 1976 to the all-out expansion desired by Mayor Jean Drapeau. Tenders were frozen, including those of Line 2 (Orange Line) after the station and those of Line 5 (Blue Line) whose works were yet already underway. A struggle then ensued between the MUC and the Government of Quebec as any extension could not be done without the agreement of both parties. The Montreal Transportation Office may have tried to put the government in front of a "fait accompli" by awarding large contracts to build the tunnel between station and the Bois-Franc station just before the moratorium was in force.