Thursday, 4:30 PM
Romney: Big Dig inspection brings mostly 'good news'
(AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
Governor Mitt Romney pointed to an image that shows water damage in the Big Dig during a press conference today in which he summarized the findings of a 90-day safety review.
By Sean P. Murphy, Globe Staff, and Andrew Ryan, Globe Correspondent
Governor Mitt Romney delivered predominantly "good news" today when he detailed the findings of a stem-to-stern inspection of the Big Dig, saying that the highway system was fundamentally robust.
The $4.5 million study by two outside engineering firms found that the project was conservatively designed and had built-in redundancies. Days after the Interstate 90 connector tunnel collapsed in July and killed a motorist, Romney order the comprehensive review of the highway system which he fear would open a "Pandora's Box" of problems.
Instead, the governor told reporters this morning at the State House that his faith in the project had been restored.
"I feel as safe driving in the tunnels as I do driving anywhere," Romney said.
The inspection did, however, find some areas of concerns. Engineers discovered leaks, water damage and evidence that some cables embedded in concrete had begun to break away.
The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge has some significant cracking, Romney said, and there are problems with the Big Dig's original fire detection system.
The 90-day inspection was the first phase of a safety audit sparked by the collapse and involved 10 teams and more than 40 engineers.
On July 10, 12-tons of concrete ceiling tiles cascaded into the Interstate 90 connector tunnel and killed Milena Del Valle, 38, of Jamaica Plain. The connector links the Massachusetts Turnpike with the Ted Williams Tunnel. The westbound lanes have remained closed since the collapse.
Days after the accident, Romney won legislative approval for his administration to take over safety inspections. The bill included up to $20 million for the "stem to stern" safety review of the Central Artery system.
Romney said that the $20 million bill should be paid by whoever is ultimately found liable for the problems in the Big Dig.
In late September, Romney announced that the early stages of the stem-to-stern review had found significant problems in the two oldest Boston Harbor tunnels.
The governor warned that much of the concrete ceiling in the Sumner Tunnel was crumbling and in danger of falling after years of neglect. In the parallel Callahan Tunnel, engineers found more than 400 loose ceiling bolts.
At the time, Romney said that although the issues did not pose an "undue risk" to drivers, the problems were evidence that the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority had not properly inspected and maintained its road system.
Repairs in both tunnels are scheduled to begin next summer, after safety improvements are completed in the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Interstate 90 connector.
