New Investigation Launched Into Big Dig Safety

BOSTON -- A day after the safety of the Big Dig's Interstate 93 tunnel was called into question, a new investigation has been launched into the project.

Video

Gail Huff Reports On Investigation

NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly said his office is investigating two of the Big Dig's largest contractors for fraud and he told the Boston Globe the probe could develop into a criminal investigation.

Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff and Modern Continental Construction Co., are under investigation for what Reilly called poor oversight and shoddy work. The probe, which began three weeks ago, is being conducted under the state's false claims act. The law makes it a crime for contractors to submit invoices or other demands for payment for work that was not done.

Spokesmen for both companies did not comment on the new investigation.

Reports Tuesday that an independent engineer Jack K. Lemley, brought in to investigate tunnel construction practices and safety, would not vouch for the safety of the I-93 tunnel, infuriated commuters who are fed up with the problems that have plagued the $14.6 billion roadway.

"I've seen the leaks, I've seen the debris, I see the cracks, I see the beat-up walls, I see it all," commuter Mike Williams said.

Turnpike Authority Chairman Matthew Amorello said he is sympathetic to motorists' concerns.

"There's no question the public has great doubts in this project. One of the purposes about assigning the cost recovery effort over to Tom Reilly's office was exactly because of those questions," Amorello said.

Amorello's newest engineer, however, defended the safety of the tunnel.

"I don't think there's ... frankly, I think the tunnel is quite safe," engineer John Christian said.

"It's not gonna collapse, trust me. But, the weakness, the structural weakness is because there is intrusion of water and sediment into the roadway. That can be a problem," U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch said.

Once again, Gov. Mitt Romney is calling on Amorello to resign, saying he will go to the Supreme Court to confirm is power to remove Amorello.

"I will ask the Supreme Judicial Court for advisory opinion to confirm my power to remove the chairman," Romney said.

In his request to the SJC, Romney wrote that Amorello has "failed to discharge the critical duties of his position competently" and is "presently threatening the public good."

The tunnels are part of a the major roadway project that buried Interstate 93 under the city of Boston and linked the Massachusetts Turnpike with Logan International Airport. The project has been plagued with cost overruns and management problems since it began. Leaks were discovered in the tunnel walls last fall.