Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/fatal-boston-tunnel-collapse-reignites-debate-over-project Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Transcript Several tons of concrete from a Boston tunnel fell on a car Monday night, killing a 38-year-old woman and renewing criticism of the Big Dig -- America's most expensive highway project. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. GWEN IFILL: One day after a tragic accident in Boston's tunnel system stunned the city, state officials announced today they will inspect the entire network.Melina Del Valle was killed on Monday night when steel rods holding 12 tons of concrete slabs gave way, crushing her car. Her husband, who was driving, survived.The collapse occurred on the eastbound connector tunnel on Interstate 90, which leads to the Ted Williams Tunnel and Logan Airport. It's part of the Big Dig, Boston's central highway system.The structure that fell was designed to maximize air ventilation in case of a tunnel fire. The three-ton panels in that section of the tunnel are held up by a series of metal hangers and rods but are not directly embedded into the concrete.Turnpike officials say they may replace other sections of the tunnel that have similar construction.Matthew Amorello, chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, assured the public today another collapse will not happen. MATTHEW AMORELLO, Chair, Massachusetts Turnpike Authority: We're not going to spare any expense in regards to inspections and addressing any shortcomings. What happened on Monday night was a tragedy that we are going to do everything possible to prevent; that's why the road is closed at this time.We will not reopen the road unless the Federal Highway Administration and the Turnpike Authority agree it is safe to do so. GWEN IFILL: Yesterday, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney toured the site and told reporters people shouldn't "have to drive through the tunnel with their fingers crossed." He also called for Amorello's resignation.GOV. MITT ROMNEY (R), Massachusetts: There should no longer be any doubt that it is time for change at that authority. Through his leadership failures, Chairman Matt Amorello has undermined public confidence in the safety of the Big Dig tunnel system. GWEN IFILL: Yesterday, traffic backups in and around Boston stretched for miles; the collapse also led to some jittery nerves. BOSTON RESIDENT: I think it's pretty sad that, you know, something was put together like that and fell apart. It's really not good, not good at all. Let's just pray no one gets hurt anymore.