Former Mass. Pike Chief Pleads Not Guilty

The former head of the Big Dig has been released on personal recognizance after a not guilty plea to drunken driving charges was entered on his behalf.

Matthew Amorello thanked those who have supported him in a statement after his arraignment Tuesday in Haverhill District Court, but did not talk about his case.

Police say the former Massachusetts Turnpike Authority chairman was drunk when his SUV allegedly damaged two parked cars in Haverhill in the early morning hours of Aug. 7.

He was supposed to be arraigned Aug. 9, but never appeared. His lawyer said he did not show because he was hospitalized.

Amorello was appointed in 2002. He resigned under pressure from then-Gov. Mitt Romney in 2006 after a Big Dig tunnel ceiling collapse killed a Boston woman.