Shouldn't we be seeing signs of construction (other than flags) pretty soon? How long does it take to build a huge coaster? A few months I'd think so we should be seeing signs quickly, right?
From what I understand, roller coasters are normally planned years in advance, and designers usually have waiting lists numbered in years. I would say a standard, pre-designed ride can take 1 year (to figure out how to integrate into the park, and then finish construction; not just to construct it), but a custom-made ride can take 4 to 5 years (but that is rare; normally it doesn't take nearly that long to design it, integrate it, and construct it).
I think even if SDC has paid for a custom-made ride, they've been planning this for several years. If they say it'll be ready for 2009, then it will be. This isn't a process that they just started last winter or this spring.