99% Invisible

555- The Big Dig

10.03.2023 - By Roman MarsPlay

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Over its more than 40 year journey from conception to completion, Boston’s Big Dig massive infrastructure project, which rerouted the central highway in the heart of the city, encountered every hurdle imaginable: ruthless politics, engineering challenges, secretive contractors, outright fraud and even the death of one motorist. It became a kind of poster child for big government ‘boondoggles.’ But the full story is of course much more complicated – and really represents a turning point in how America builds infrastructure.

More episodes from 99% Invisible