Thursday, 4:30 PM
Reilly: Anchor bolts failed 1999 field study
By Andrew Ryan, Globe Correspondent
Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly said at an afternoon press conference that anchor bolts similar to those involved in the partial collapse of the Interstate 90 connector tunnel failed field studies as far back as 1999.
When anchor bolts gave way Monday night, 12-tons of ceiling tiles crashed into the tunnel, killing Milena Del Valle, 38, of Jamaica Plain.
“The problem with the anchor bolts was identified in the fall of 1999,” said Reilly, whose office has launched a negligent manslaughter investigation. “It was not only identified, but there was a plan to address that problem.”
Five of the anchor bolts gave way in the 1999 study, Reilly said, referencing documents unearthed during the probe by his office. Investigators are trying to determine what was done with the plan formulated to fix the problem.
“Obviously we know right now that there was a huge failure,” Reilly said.
Investigators have determined that the contractor and Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff, the main company behind the Big Dig, knew about the issue, Reilly said.
“I have no information at this point that this information was brought to the attention of the Turnpike Authority,” Reilly said.
The bolts that failed Monday had been anchored in the concrete ceiling with epoxy, but not affixed to a metal support rail, as was done with ceiling panels in other tunnels in Boston. The tiles facilitate airflow.
The anchor bolts that failed Monday night pulled out of the concrete in a “clean break,” Reilly said.
Transportation officials have been removing the tiles in the 200-foot tunnel connector, which links Interstate 93 to the Ted Williams Tunnel.
Inspectors have found 60 more problem areas in the eastbound lanes. Crews are still checking the westbound lanes.
