The Boston Globe has reported the existence of multiple leaks in tunnels beneath Boston Harbor that carry traffic for the Boston Central Artery and Ted Williams Tunnel project, also known as "The Big Dig."
The Globe based its reporting on leaks in the tunnel on documents it has obtained following a major tunnel leak in September that led to the hiring of a team of independent engineers. The team earlier stated that there were 400 leaks throughout the tunnel system.
The documents reveal there are more than 700 leaks in just one 1,000-ft section of I-93 tunnels beneath South Station, the Globe said. The records further show that officials of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and private-sector managers Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff have signed off on at least $10 million in cost overruns to repair the leaks and water damage since early 2001.
Turnpike Authority spokesman Doug Hanchett said the agency has made progress in controlling the leaks and is working to recoup costs from contractors as specified in their contracts.
For more on the story, read the December issue of ROADS&BRIDGES magazine.
