Commonwealth of Massachusetts Safety Review of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project was Comprehensive, but FHWA's Oversight Approach has Shortcomings

摘要

Following the July 2006 incident in Bostons Central Artery/Tunnel (CA/T) Projectin which concrete ceiling panels fell and killed a motoristthe Commonwealth of Massachusetts initiated an independent Stem to Stern safety review of the Boston Metropolitan Highway System, including the CA/T Project. The review, completed in August 2008, was performed in two phases: Phase I identified immediate risks to public safety, while Phase II served as an evaluation of all safety risks.1 The National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 20062 1 Phase I was a 90-day review to assess conditions that posed immediate safety risks and was completed in November 2006. Phase II was a longer, more comprehensive review to assess conditions that pose longer-term safety risks and was completed in August 2008. directed the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to provide independent oversight of safety review activities performed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Commonwealth, as they pertained to the CA/T Project. Our broad objective was to assure Congress, the Secretary of Transportation, and the public that the safety review was comprehensive and performed in a rigorous and complete manner.