New Big Dig Problems

[soposkier]

http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrod...re-problems/V359HktBVBQyqi5OFCymcK/index.html

Plenty of other articles out there as well.

Seems like there are a lot of other civil engineers on the board (and other curious minds). I don't know if I completely buy how the tunnel will act like a bridge over the developing sinkholes, although neither geotecnical or structural are my specialities.

Anyone have an overunder on how long the routine "maintenance" will do the job. Looks like the anticipated 100 year lifespan of the tunnels is getting shorter and shorter.

 

[thetrailboss]

Yeah, I have heard about all the problems. It's too bad on a number of levels.

 

[Nick]

Prior to my current job I was a project manager in the construction industry, so I am still fascinated by this.

All in all I have to say I don't really see the huge benefit of the big dig for the money it cost. The only real great thing is the quick way to the airport via the pike, other than that, it doesn't really help with a morning or evening commute in or out of of Boston

 

[Glenn]

That project has been a cluster fudgesicle since the day they came up with the idea.

 

[drjeff]

Sounds like this will eventually result in another BILLION or 2 of cash being spent both as paybacks to contractors that are "friends" of certain state officials and to probably do the equivalent of encasing the tunnels in a GIANT wrapping of concrete around where the unthawing/settling sinkholes have begun to form, which will eventually turn into encasing the tunnels ANYWHERE they froze the ground during construction

 

[AdironRider]

To be honest, as someone who commuted to school before the big dig, during the big dig, and now goes back to visit afterwards, Ive noticed a large improvement. Getting from Revere down to Dorchester and Quincy is quicker.

Now its not free moving, unimpeded freeway speeds all the way through there, but its nowhere near the parking lot it used to be.

 

[deadheadskier]

Prior to my current job I was a project manager in the construction industry, so I am still fascinated by this.

All in all I have to say I don't really see the huge benefit of the big dig for the money it cost. The only real great thing is the quick way to the airport via the pike, other than that, it doesn't really help with a morning or evening commute in or out of of Boston

Whether the commute is better or not is debateable. The cost/benefit of the Big Dig can't be looked at purely for it's transportation benefits alone though.

I think burying 93 is one of the best things that could happen for downtown Boston. The elevated Green Latreen completely cut off the waterfront from downtown. All of the major development in the city right now is on the Waterfront. I don't think you'd see the Intercontinental Hotel or the Atlantic Wharf Skyscraper today if 93 was still running above ground. I'd say even the Convention Center and the businesses surrounding it might not be there today if it weren't for the Big Dig.

Over the next 30 years that entire Fort Point Channel area is going to be developed into perhaps a bigger attraction for the city than Backbay is now. Billions of dollars in private investment and thousands of jobs in an area of a city that was a complete wasteland prior to the Big Dig. I think a big reason why that area of the city sat idle the way it did for so long is because of how it was cut off from downtown by 93.

 

[AdironRider]

North End is way more accessible now as well. I remember going to school down there and it felt like a whole different city once you finally found your way over there. Its probably my favorite area of the city. Without that big green highway cutting it off I bet theyve seen an uptick in visits to that neck of the woods as well.

 

[deadheadskier]

I'm sure the Northend is a bit busier, but not much. The severe lack of parking in the Northend will always make it a challenge. You still pretty much have to park in the Gov't Center garage and hoof it over there. We almost always hang out in Backbay or the Southend when we're in Boston because it's super easy to find on street parking in both locations. Nevermind that the dining choices in those neighborhoods blow away the tourist trap crapola in the Northend.

 

[Geoff]

Prior to my current job I was a project manager in the construction industry, so I am still fascinated by this.

All in all I have to say I don't really see the huge benefit of the big dig for the money it cost. The only real great thing is the quick way to the airport via the pike, other than that, it doesn't really help with a morning or evening commute in or out of of Boston

Wut? I take it you never drove on the central artery?

 

[WakeboardMom]

Whether the commute is better or not is debateable. The cost/benefit of the Big Dig can't be looked at purely for it's transportation benefits alone though.

I think burying 93 is one of the best things that could happen for downtown Boston. The elevated Green Latreen completely cut off the waterfront from downtown. All of the major development in the city right now is on the Waterfront. I don't think you'd see the Intercontinental Hotel or the Atlantic Wharf Skyscraper today if 93 was still running above ground. I'd say even the Convention Center and the businesses surrounding it might not be there today if it weren't for the Big Dig.

Over the next 30 years that entire Fort Point Channel area is going to be developed into perhaps a bigger attraction for the city than Backbay is now. Billions of dollars in private investment and thousands of jobs in an area of a city that was a complete wasteland prior to the Big Dig. I think a big reason why that area of the city sat idle the way it did for so long is because of how it was cut off from downtown by 93.

It's now such a nice walk from Marina Bay all the way to the North End. That whole area down by the Museum of Contempory Art and the Courthouse is gonna be gorgeous. I'm so impressed with the improvement.

And the commute to the airport from southern NH is fabulous. We have so many choices now; MHT has lots of good flights depending on your destination, but now because Boston is so easy, we have tons of options. (More choices as well, because Southwest now goes in and out of Boston.)

As a kid I used to take the bus from Somerville to Sullivan Square and then hop on the Orange Line. I love the new and improved ways to get around Boston.

I recommend:

 

[AdironRider]

I'm sure the Northend is a bit busier, but not much. The severe lack of parking in the Northend will always make it a challenge. You still pretty much have to park in the Gov't Center garage and hoof it over there. We almost always hang out in Backbay or the Southend when we're in Boston because it's super easy to find on street parking in both locations. Nevermind that the dining choices in those neighborhoods blow away the tourist trap crapola in the Northend.

I went to high school with a buddy from the Northend, so I guess I was shown the real good locals only joints right from the get go. I like the people there mostly, and Im not even Italian.

 

[deadheadskier]

There are some good spots no doubt. Mare is one of the better seafood restaurants in Boston. I like Neptune as well. Just a lot of crapola. Kind of like Newbury Street. Out of all the restaurants on Newbury, there's only 3 or 4 that I'd consider good.

But, I probably have a different perspective than most because I know what ingredients everyone is buying.

 

[AdironRider]

There are some good spots no doubt. Mare is one of the better seafood restaurants in Boston. I like Neptune as well. Just a lot of crapola. Kind of like Newbury Street. Out of all the restaurants on Newbury, there's only 3 or 4 that I'd consider good.

But, I probably have a different perspective than most because I know what ingredients everyone is buying.

Ive been to Mare, definitely some good eats. Havent been to Neptune though. I bailed on Newbury Street a long time ago. I got a couple nights at the Four Seasons in Boston coming up mid September, looking forward to the foodie in me coming out again.

 

[deadheadskier]

where are you looking to eat?

I sell the Four Seasons their Burger Meat. They have won the Boston Burger bash 3 years running

 

[ctenidae]

Ive been to Mare, definitely some good eats. Havent been to Neptune though. I bailed on Newbury Street a long time ago. I got a couple nights at the Four Seasons in Boston coming up mid September, looking forward to the foodie in me coming out again.

I highly recommend Beehive in between Hammersley's and The Cyclorama. Best (only?)Poutine in Boston, great steaks. Chef there (Becca Newel) one Chopped on Food Network. Great music, too. Get a reservation.

Mmmm, now I'm hungry...

 

[deadheadskier]

Beehive is a lot of fun. I go there frequently. Becca is pretty good. Not really a 'foodie' experience, but the combination of decent food, great music and a cool space makes for a great night out.

In that neighborhood I think Butcher Shop, B&G, Hammersleys and Aquaitaine all have better food than Beehive, but I still end up at Beehive far more often.

 

[midd]

Coppa became my number one last summer. I couldn't get enough of the place.

 

[deadheadskier]

Indeed. Jaime is incredible. Too bad the morans in the Boston Health Dept screwed with his dry curing program.

 

[ctenidae]

Beehive is a lot of fun. I go there frequently. Becca is pretty good. Not really a 'foodie' experience, but the combination of decent food, great music and a cool space makes for a great night out.

In that neighborhood I think Butcher Shop, B&G, Hammersleys and Aquaitaine all have better food than Beehive, but I still end up at Beehive far more often.

Butcher Shop is great food, no doubt about it. I keep wanting to got o B&G, but never manage to. I've eaten twice at Aquataine and once at Hammersley's, and was underwhelmed by both. They're good, sure, but not exceptional for the price and hype. YMMV, of course.

Delux is, and always will be, one of my sleeper favorites.