Title: The Big Dig

Author(s): Ben Tymann and Ken Sullivan

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 33

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 51-56

Keywords: compliance, liability, tunnel, failure

DOI:

Date: 2/1/2011

Abstract:
The “Big Dig,” Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel project, took 15 years and $15 billion to complete, and is considered the largest, most complex, technologically challenging highway project in the country’s history, with about 4 million cubic yards of ready mixed concrete placed by suppliers, often around the clock. But the project had a number of high-profile defects, and government investigations resulted in $600 million in penalties and settlements as well as the criminal conviction of 10 people. Contractors and suppliers on public projects are well-advised to heed the valuable lessons learned to avoid potential pitfalls that can devastate companies and ruin careers.