Big Dig is the road to hell

By adamg - 3/11/05 - 11:51 am

And we're not just talking rush-hour traffic jams. Is it strictly coincidence that the project's cost has increased exactly 6.66-fold? Or that it replaces a road that once pointed to heaven? Or that one of the architects of Russia's current economic system is from Harvard, which is near the Big Dig? This guy thinks not.

Comments

the "Road OF Hell" is a more accurate discription of Big Dig.

By Miki - 3/11/05 - 12:39 pm
#1

So far, it's been a disaster, with leaks abounding in the tunnels, which is going to cost oodles of additional money to fix. While I understand some of its objectives(less congestion, due to the re-routing of traffic AROUND town, rather than through the heart of town), it hasn't worked out that way. In fact, there's even more congestion than there was, and, every time one drives to and/or from the Logan Airport, it seems to change every day. Maybe it's just me, but that's what I've experienced. Also, it's way overbudget, not to mention over schedule. Some people even call it "the Big Pig", another adequate description, due to the astronomical costs in terms of money, and time spent in traffic by motorists, and also space that might've been used for more artists' housing and/or more affordable housing here in the city, both of which are badly needed here, not to mention tons of other stuff. The idea of a green parkway with mixed use is a good idea. Let's see how that comes out, and if they live up to their promises of a GReen Line Extension into Somerville, which, well, isn't too hopefull at the moment. Just my two cents.

Maybe it's just because I left town for two years...

By Tim Jarrett (not verified) - 3/12/05 - 12:06 pm
#2

...but from where I'm sitting, the Big Dig is looking pretty good, leaks (and subsequent fireproofing damage) notwithstanding:

  • Easier to get to the airport? Oh heck yes.
  • Better traffic on Storrow? Yep. At least better than 2000-2001, and I think it's going to get better still as they finalize the layout of the intersection between Storrow and 93.
  • Better commute when all the lanes are in their final configuration? Yes, judging from evidence like last weekend's changes.
  • Better looking city? Oh hell yes. Even with the construction barriers between Haymarket and the North End, not having that rusting old nasty green monster is a big, big difference. The air's a lot cleaner when you're walking around that part of the city too.
  • Reconnecting the neighborhoods that were all but severed from the city when several city blocks of residences were razed in the 1950s to make way for the artery? Yep.
  • Much easier to navigate bridge into the city? Yep.

And anyone have any idea how the leak count compares to other tunnels that have been constructed? Just askin'.

Disclaimer: I have no connection to any party involved with the Big Dig. Maybe I just haven't lived long enough in Boston to get the habit of calling everything a "disaster."

Yeah, but

By Steve Brady (not verified) - 3/11/05 - 1:02 pm
#3

I'm relatively young, so I don't really remember the inception of the Big Dig, but did anyone seriously think that one of the largest construction projects in history, in Boston, wouldn't be overbudget, late, and wracked with corruption? Or did people weigh those costs against benefits which have no yet appeared?

This isn't meant to excuse any of it, mind you.

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