AP News, December 25th, 2007
Some important dates in the history of Boston's Big Dig highway project:
1982 — Original estimate for the project pegged at $2.6 billion.
1987 — Congress approves initial federal funding.
1991 — Construction begins on Ted Williams Tunnel beneath Boston Harbor.
1995 — Ted Williams Tunnel under Boston Harbor to Logan Airport opens.
1998 — Cost estimate jumps to $10.8 billion.
1999 — Big Dig Chief James Kerasiotes step down for failing to disclose cost overruns.
2002 — Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge over the Charles River is completed.
2003 — I-90 connector tunnel and the northbound and southbound lanes of I-93 tunnel open.
2004 — Leak sends water pouring into I-93 tunnel, highlighting ongoing leak problems.
2005 — Investigators find 169 defective panels in I-93 tunnel, most needing minor repairs;
May 2006 — Six men who worked for the Big Dig's largest concrete supplier are arrested on charges they falsified records to hide the inferior quality of concrete.
June — Main Big Dig tunnel dedicated for late House Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr.
July 10 — A woman is crushed to death by falling ceiling panels in connector tunnel leading to Ted Williams Tunnel, sparking criminal investigations.
Aug. 5 — Big Dig Chief Matthew Amorello forced out in wake of ceiling panel collapse.
Aug. 8, 2007 — Epoxy supplier indicted in connection with ceiling panel collapse.
Dec. 24 — Family of Milena Del Valle announces $6 million settlement with the epoxy supplier for her death.
Dec. 31 — Big Dig comes to an end as an active construction project.
Source: Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and Associated Press news reports
