Officials: Foam Fell From Big Dig Tunnel

A 2-foot-by-2-foot piece of lightweight fireproofing material fell from the ceiling of a Big Dig tunnel last month while the highway was closed during an inspection, but transportation officials say the incident does not pose a danger.

The foam fell onto the Interstate 90 eastbound connector tunnel April 28 at about 1 a.m. while the road was closed. Officials say it weighed less than a pound and may have been jarred loose by inspectors.

The state Transportation Department drew fire for not immediately notifying the governor's office and the public when a 110-pound light fixture fell from a tunnel ceiling in February.

A department spokesman tells the Boston Herald that in the case of the foam, proper notifications were made immediately.

The $15 billion Big Dig has been plagued by problems.