Photo: James Rojas / WBZ News Radio
BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - Busses are back for MBTA riders making their way through Government Center after a structural concerns were uncovered Thursday afternoon at the Government Center Parking Garage.
HYM, the contractor in charge of demolishing the Government Center Garage, notified the MBTA that a garage support column in the tunnel is severely deteriorated.
"A subsurface column in proximity to the Green and Orange Lines was identified as compromised from years of water damage," HYM said in a statement. "The condition of this column is unrelated to the demolition work at the Government Center Garage."
MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak released a statement calling the disruption of service unacceptable.
"The MBTA will seek to hold HYM Construction accountable for all costs associated with this event," Poftak said. "Riders' safety is our top priority and unfortunately, as a result of this private party's project, we must divert trains until the tunnels can be inspected and cleared by independent experts."
The MBTA immediately replaced Green Line service with shuttle bus service between Lechmere and Government Center Stations. Orange Line service is suspended until further notice between Back Bay and North Station. Riders are encouraged to use Green Line service between Copley and Government Center stations for alternative downtown service.
T Riders struggled with the Friday morning commute
"Hectic, I mean it's chaos, no one knows what's going on." One commuter told WBZ's James Rojas.
"I can't explain to my job everyday that I'm late because, you know, I'm responsible for young lives. I would like for the service to at least work. I pay $5 for a bus just to get to Haymarket." Another said.
This latest trouble on the track is just the most current in a string of issues surrounding the MBTA in recent months. Including the death of a passenger who was dragged along the Red Line in April and the collision of two Green trains at Government Center.
It isn't just the MBTA being impacted by the construction concerns, Boston Police said many of the streets in the area are also closed due to the structural issues.
Parts of Congress Street, Surface Road, New Chardon Street and Sudbury Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. Those detours will remain in effect until further notice.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports
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