Well, it’s starting.
The Boston Globe is reporting this morning that the latest Big Dig crisis is not the first series of problems for Modern Continental Construction Co., referenced in this reporter’s initial coverage.
The article cites the previous problems with the Central Artery/Tunnel project, including water leaks and defective walls. Also, financial troubles and what is being called “poor workmanship” by one former Massachusetts Turnpike Authority board member are contributing to the mounting crisis for the old construction firm.
Wrote Globe staffer Christopher Rowland:
It has been a long road for a company that got its start building sidewalks in Peabody in the 1960s, then grew into the biggest contractor on the Big Dig and one of the largest construction companies in the country. But its rapid growth faltered; the company was close to a bankruptcy filing; and it lost its independence.
Earlier today, 240 new ceiling problems were found in the Big Dig tunnels. Pressure is also increasing on MTA chair Matthew Amorello. House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi and Senate President Robert E. Travaglini politely called for Amorello to take a reduced role and give up his chairmanship. He remains steadfast, however, flatly saying that he will not resign.
He’s already being shifted out, however. Governor Mitt Romney signed today, a quickly passed bill putting him in charge of the Big Dig investigation and taking that power from Amorello. The governor has been forceful in his wishes for Amorello to step down.