Big Dig tunnels need $54M light fix
BOSTON—The state highway administrator says it will cost $54 million to replace all the light fixtures in the Big Dig tunnels because of design or manufacturing defects that have led to dangerous corrosion that could result in them falling onto traffic.
Frank DePaola (duh-POW'-luh) told the Massachusetts Department of Transportation directors Wednesday that since a light fixture fell onto the road in the Thomas P. O'Neill Jr. Tunnel in February 2011, engineers have temporarily reinforced the 8-foot light fixtures in the 7.5 mile tunnel system with plastic ties.
DePaola says a complete replacement is the best solution.
The Boston Globe (http://bo.st/HUkj71) reports that the new fixtures will use energy-efficient LED lights that could save $2.5 million a year in energy costs.
The replacement project is expected to begin next year.
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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe
