Capuano's tunnel inspection bill passes House

by Neil W. McCabe

The tunnel inspection bill championed by the congressman from North Cambridge was approved Tuesday by the House of Representatives on a voice vote and is now awaiting senate approval.

"On Tuesday the House considered my bill, H.R. 409, which would establish a nationwide tunnel inspection program," said Rep. Michael E. Capuano, D, North Cambridge.

"The legislation is modeled after the Nationwide Bridge Inspection Program which requires that all highway bridges be inspected and establishes a series of minimum inspection standards. H.R. 409 requires that highway tunnels also be subject to standardized inspection," he said.

"Since the tragic July 2006 death of Milena Del Valle as a result of a falling ceiling panel in one of the Big Dig tunnels, many questions have been rightfully raised about this project, including issues relating to inspections," he said.

"Currently there are no national standards or requirements for inspecting highway tunnels. Instead, this responsibility lies with the tunnel owners, who have complete authority to determine how their tunnels should be inspected. At a minimum, tunnel owners must follow the requirements included in their bonding agreements relating to the structure," he said. 

The congressman said, "My legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish minimum inspection requirements for tunnels, including the maximum amount of time permitted between inspections and the manner in which inspections will be carried out."

The secretary will also establish the qualifications necessary for those conducting inspections, establish a national certification program for highway tunnel inspectors and implement a program to ensure they are properly trained, he said.