Establishing National Tunnel Inspection Standards

Floor Speech

ESTABLISHING NATIONAL TUNNEL INSPECTION STANDARDS -- (House of Representatives - January 22, 2008)

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Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 409. This legislation will require that tunnels are inspected with the same kind of intensity and scrutiny as bridges in every community in the United States.

In Massachusetts for years now we have been working on the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, also known as the ``Big Dig'', a system of tunnels that has made it much easier to get around in and outside of Boston. In July of 2006 there was a tragic death in the Ted Williams tunnel due to a collapse of a concrete panel in the ceiling. By adding tunnels to all inspection legislation we will give states the vital jurisdiction they need to look into important transportation structures.

This bill will not require excessive funds or staffing. As of right now it is estimated by the Department of Transportation that it will cost less than $1 million and require 5 employees or less to run the program. This is a small amount to ask for the safety it would provide to all of our constituents across the U.S.

The legislation calls for standards that must be met for all of the tunnel inspections and timelines for states to fix any reported deficiencies. We have seen first hand in Minnesota this year what can happen if a structurally deficient bridge is left unchecked. This bill would help reduce the risk of more tragedies occurring as a result of tunnels that have fallen into disrepair. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration would be required to work with state transportation departments to establish a certification and training program for tunnel inspectors as well as keep an inventory of highway tunnels.

I urge adoption of this important legislation.

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