Big Dig company denied MBTA work

BOSTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - The state Transportation Department's board of directors has voted not to extend a planning contract for the MBTA's Green Line extension with a major Big Dig contractor.

The board expressed discomfort with the involvement of Parsons Brinckerhoff, which teamed with Bechtel to oversee the design and construction of the Big Dig, which was plagued by delays, cost overruns and poor construction.

The Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff partnership paid a $400 million settlement with the state in 2008.

Parsons Brinckerhoff has been involved with the Green Line extension to Somerville and Medford since 2007. The Boston Globe reports that the board on Tuesday voted against a $24.5 million extension.

Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan defended the company's work, and said putting the contract out to bid again could delay the project.