Congressman Capuano, Massachusetts Delegation Ask NTSB to Investigate Big Dig Accident

Print Version-Congressman Capuano, Massachusetts Delegation Ask NTSB to Investigate Big Dig Accident

PRESS RELEASE

Print Version-Congressman Capuano, Massachusetts Delegation Ask NTSB to Investigate Big Dig Accident

July 13, 2006

Congressman Mike Capuano, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has asked the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to immediately bring in a team to investigate the recent tragic accident in Boston's Central Artery/Tunnel Project (CA/T). Additionally, Congressman Capuano is asking the NTSB, in accordance with the authority it already has, to conduct a long term safety study of the entire CA/T project. The NTSB had had no previous involvement in the CA/T and is in the best position to conduct an immediate independent review. He is joined in this effort by the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation, Senators and Representatives, all of whom have signed onto the letter. The text of the letter follows:

July 13, 2006

Mark V. Rosenker
Acting Chairman
National Transportation Safety Board
490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20594

Dear Acting Chairman Rosenker:

We are gravely concerned about the July 10, 2006 tragic death of Milena Del Valle as a result of falling concrete in a section of Boston's Central Artery/Tunnel Project (CA/T). Clearly, this raises critical concerns about the safety of the entire CA/T.

We are writing to ask that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately bring in a team to investigate this recent tragic accident. The NTSB has the authority to investigate accidents on our nation's highways.

In addition to investigating Monday's accident, we are asking the NTSB, in accordance with the authority it already has, to conduct a long term safety study of the entire CA/T project. Criminal investigations into the tragic accident have begun. Inspection of the I-90 Connector tunnel has led to its indefinite closure and the identification of at least 60 more areas that are raising safety concerns. The general public has good reason to be uneasy about something they should be able to take for granted — the safety of the roads on which they travel.

Public safety is of paramount concern. The only way to identify flaws in the system and to definitively conclude that the roadways are safe is to place a thorough analysis in the hands of an agency that has had no previous involvement in the CA/T. The NTSB can conduct an independent review so that Massachusetts residents get the answers they deserve. We cannot wait any longer.

We thank you for your consideration of this matter and await your prompt response.

Contact: Alison M. Mills (617) 621-6208