Word: mbta
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...George Orwell's 1984, the world operates as smoothly as a well-oiled machine under the dictates of Big Brother. Human problems exist, but they are quietly and successfully squelched. To talk to Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) officials, the construction of the extended subway line--due for completion in 1984--is part and parcel of Orwell's perfect world. But beneath the boarded construction loom large problems that even two Big Brothers, Harvard and the MBTA, can't handle...
...walking through a mine field. Shoppers tread on shaky wooden boards while on the left and right simultaneous explosions, car horns and workers' shouts make conversation impossible. If this is annoying for the pedestrian, construction troubles, sky-rocketing costs and labor troubles have caused nothing but headaches for the MBTA...
While L. Edward Lashman, director of external projects for the University, paints a rosy picture of the MBTA project and its relations with Harvard--he says the University is satisfied with its $900,000 settlement with the MBTA for the use of University land and subcontracting priviledges--he refuses to comment on the construction's effect on Hemenway Gym, an issue which is worrying more than one MBTA project engineer...
According to MBTA Engineer George Wey, the outbound tunnel from Harvard Square to Porter Square will come within feet of the gym, which is located on "very soft soil." In the past, the University worked out an agreement with the MBTA to soundproof and underpin certain Harvard buildings, including Wigglesworth and Wyeth Halls. But Wey says that no provisions have been made...
...Harvard isn't expressing concern, the MBTA is. However, it plans to wait another two months until the construction is 150 ft. away from the gym before starting comprehensive tests, Wey says. He adds that, if their fears are borne out, the money for the $60,000 underpinning exists, but the MBTA doesn't want to spend it "unless it's absolutely necessary...