Debris Falls In Big Dig Tunnel

BOSTON -- Leaks in the Big Dig tunnel could be the reason why construction materials fell from the ceiling of the tunnel onto the roadway Monday, officials said.

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NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that a chunk of fireproofing material fell from the ceiling of the Interstate 93 South tunnel near the Government Center exit Monday night.

Big Dig officials said taxpayers will not pay for this problem.

"Frustration is the first thing that comes to my mind. The second thing, I think it stands repeating, is any and all defective work in the tunnel will not be paid for on the backs of the taxpayers," said State Transportation Secretary Dan Grabauskas.

"They figured it was some fireproofing material that had been sprayed on the girder joints above that area," said Big Dig spokeswoman Mariellen Burns.

The 2-inch thick material has been crumbling over the breakdown lanes since last fall. The tunnel leaks and ice may have contributed to the crumbling.

"I'm not sure who applied it, and that is really not the issue here," Burns said. "We don't know if it is the fault of the person who applied it. There may be other issues."

The debris did not hit any cars, but two lanes were shut down for 45 minutes while crews cleaned it up.

"It really angers me and it should anger the taxpayers of Massachusetts. We hired the best company and the biggest company in the world to manage this project and they did one hell of a lousy job. I have been saying that for a long time. I wish the chicken didn't come home to roost, but they did," said Massachusetts Turnpike Authority Board Chairman Jordan Levy.

"We spent over $14 billion on this project. We have to expect that the tunnel will hold up. It has only been in operation for couple of years," said Grabauskas.

Burns said crews will examine the fireproofing in the rest of the tunnel more closely Tuesday night.