$458m Big Dig settlement

The construction and design consultants behind Boston’s Big Dig project have agreed to pay $458m to settle allegations that they caused excess costs to be incurred in the project.

A joint venture, between Bechtel Infrastructure and PB Americas (B/PB), allegedly failed to provide adequate management and quality assurance services to the Central Artery Tunnel, known as the Big Dig.

In addition, if there is a catastrophic event in the future that requires more than $50m in repairs to the Big Dig involving B/PB's conduct, Federal and State authorities have retained the right to pursue such claims against Bechtel and PB Americas.

“We expect, and our citizens depend, on our nation's contractors to be truthful and perform the work they promise.

Acting assistant attorney General Jeffrey S. Bucholtz

The Big Dig is a major public transportation infrastructure project built through the heart of downtown Boston. The project was planned, designed, and constructed over a period of 20 years from 1985 to the present.

Bechtel and PB Americas served as Management Consultants on the project and were responsible for managing the design and construction of the Big Dig.

Acting assistant attorney General Jeffrey S. Bucholtz, said: "We expect, and our citizens depend, on our nation's contractors to be truthful and perform the work they promise. Today's settlement requires Bechtel and PB Americas to be responsible for their conduct, and helps insure the future longevity of the Central Artery for the citizens of Boston and the greater Northeast."