Boston Tunnel In Need of Repairs on 500 Leaks

Aug. 23, 2007

The Big Dig highway tunnels in Boston have about 500 leaks that need to repair, which does not include those currently being handled by the project's contractors. Additionally, state officials warn that future leaks will occur.

According to The Washington Post leaks have always been a problem for the $14.8 billion Big Dig, the most expensive public works construction in U.S. history. One of the leaks in 2004 affected traffic for miles.

Project manager Michael Lewis recent was successful in lobbying the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority board to add another $2.3 million to an existing $5 million contract for repairs.

Lewis explained that the program is effective for repairing leaks, and that inspectors found 2,000 to 3,000 leaks in roof-wall joints after the September 2004 incident.

The current leaks are not noticeable to motorists, because they drain into holding areas below the surface and into pumps that discharge the water. Lewis also reported to The Washington Post that the water volume from the roof-wall joints is almost immeasurable.

The repairs to the existing leaks likely will continue until spring.

According to The Washington Post the engineering firm of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc., found that 8 million gallons of water were discharged from the O'Neill tunnel pump stations in the first half of 2005, compared with 6.5 million gallons discharged in the first half of 2006 and 7.5 million gallons in the first half of this year.

Source: The Washington Post

Sponsored Recommendations

Blower Package Integration

March 20, 2024
See how an integrated blower package can save you time, money, and energy, in a wastewater treatment system. With package integration, you have a completely integrated blower ...

Strut Comparison Chart

March 12, 2024
Conduit support systems are an integral part of construction infrastructure. Compare steel, aluminum and fiberglass strut support systems.

Energy Efficient System Design for WWTPs

Feb. 7, 2024
System splitting with adaptive control reduces electrical, maintenance, and initial investment costs.

Blower Isentropic Efficiency Explained

Feb. 7, 2024
Learn more about isentropic efficiency and specific performance as they relate to blowers.