BIG DIG, COUNTRY'S MOST EXPENSIVE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT, HAS 237 LEAKS

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BOSTON GLOBE - Despite repeated assurances that it had Big Dig leaks
under control, the Turnpike Authority has allowed the number of leaks to
explode in the last two years and has been forced to launch a fresh
effort to plug hundreds of trouble spots, according to an analysis of
Big Dig records. more stories like this

A massive effort by Big Dig contractor Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff
reduced the number of the most serious leaks near the tunnel roof from
more than 800 in March 2005 to just three eight months later, according
to Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff records posted on the turnpike's
website. But the state sharply curtailed efforts to seal leaks when it
took over maintenance in 2006, and the number of serious leaks going
unchecked rose to 237 last month, according to interviews and turnpike
records.

The resurgence suggests that water infiltration could require attention
indefinitely on the $15 billion project - and is not the temporary
glitch originally asserted by contractors and the state. The new leaks
raise serious questions among some officials and engineers about
maintenance costs, repair schedules, and premature corrosion of steel
reinforcements in the walls.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/01/13/
big_dig_tunnels_spring_237_leaks/


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