The BIg Dig

The Big Dig A series of projects that changed the architecture, traffic flow, and functionality of Boston Forever Eric Shannon, Tomas Grygalis, Russell Mather Projects • Central Artery Tunnel-Replaced elevated highway • Ted Williams Tunnel- Connected South Boston to Logan Airport under the harbor • Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge- A cablestayed bridge that carries I-93 over the Charles River. • Fort Point Channel Tunnel- Part of the I-90 extension • Rose Kennedy Greenway- A park built where the old elevated highway once stood. This Photo by Unkno wn Author is licensed under CC BY Challenges • The Cost Overruns- The project ended up costing much more than initially planned • Engineering Difficulties-Tunneling under an active city and the harbor was complex. • Leaks and Structural Issues - Some tunnels had leaks, and a ceiling panel collapse led to safety concerns. • Traffic Disruptions - Ongoing construction caused long-term traffic congestion in Boston. • Environmental Impact - Mitigating effects on the environment, including groundwater and historical sites, was a major challenge. Results The Big Dig had several main results: Reduced Traffic Congestion - Replaced the elevated highway with underground tunnels, easing downtown traffic. Improved City Aesthetics - Removed the unsightly elevated highway and created the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Better Connectivity Improved access to Logan Airport and other parts of the city. Higher Costs - The project ended up costing billions more than expected. Safety Concerns Structural issues, like leaks and a tunnel collapse, raised safety problems.