What was the Big Dig controversy?


What was the Big Dig controversy? The Big Dig was the most expensive highway project in the United States, and was plagued by cost overruns, delays, leaks, design flaws, charges of poor execution and use of substandard materials, criminal charges and arrests, and the death of one motorist.


Does the blue line go underwater?

Perhaps ironically, the Blue Line takes several points of pride from its proximity to water, which gives it its name. Local historians claim the tunnel that runs under the harbor as the first underwater subway tunnel in the United States.


Does the London Underground go under water?

The section of underground railway between Wapping and New Cross has been open for public traffic since 7 December 1869, but the tunnel's existence goes back decades earlier. In 1825, French engineer Marc Brunel started work on the Thames Tunnel, the very first underwater tunnel anywhere in the world.


Is Callahan Tunnel underwater?

It was originally a two-way road that carried traffic in both directions, until the opening of the parallel Callahan Tunnel in 1961. The tunnel is 8,448 feet long, of which approximately 3,960 feet are underwater. In 2017, the state removed the tollbooths as part of a switch to electronic tolling.


Is the Sumner and Callahan Tunnel the same?

The Sumner Tunnel was opened on June 30, 1934. It carried traffic in both directions until the opening of the parallel Callahan Tunnel in 1961. The Sumner Tunnel is named for William H. Sumner, the son of Governor Increase Sumner.


Why was the Big Dig a failure?

For the Big Dig the failure to uphold project standards resulted in leaks, a collapsed concrete panel that caused a death, falling light fixtures due to cracked and ruined nuts, and treacherous guardrails – among other problems.


When did the Big Dig break ground?

Planning began in 1982; the construction work was carried out between 1991 and 2006; and the project concluded on December 31, 2007, when the partnership between the program manager and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority ended.


What was the Big Dig funding?

The Big Dig, a project funded by federal and stated monies (about 60/40), was substantially completed late in 2007 for nearly $15 billion.