Report Claims State Was Aware of Big Dig Costs

BOSTON-A report released by the state Inspector General’s office claims Big Dig officials were already aware in 1994 that the massive construction project here would cost $14 billion. Officials then were reporting that the project would cost $8 billion. The project has come under fire for repeatedly being off schedule and well over budget. The recent snowstorms in this area have further delayed the project’s progress.

Greg Sullivan of the Inspector General’s office confirms for GlobeSt.com that the report was released. The report goes after both former Governor William Weld’s office, as well as the office of Governor Paul Cellucci. Reportedly, shortly before Cellucci was telling Wall Street analysts that the project was on budget, the report contends that then-Big Dig chief James Kerasiotes knew there would be a $1.4 billion overrun on the project. Also under attack is the Federal Highway Administration, which knew of the increasing costs of the projects, but withheld the information from the public.

In the early 1980s, the Massachusetts Highway Department was responsible for planning the Big Dig, as well as overseeing the design and construction of road and bridge projects throughout the state. In 1985, the Massachusetts Highway Department hired the joint venture of Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff to manage the design, construction, and day-to-day operations of this project. In 1997, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority was designated the owner/operator of the Metropolitan Highway System and gradually took over management of the Big Dig from Mass Highway.