Johanna Knapschaefer

Feds Pinpoint Cause of Deadly Mass. Gas Explosion

October 17, 2018

Crews failed to relocate pressure-sensing lines from an old cast-iron distribution main during a mid-September Columbia Gas pipeline replacement, igniting a series of explosions and fires north of Boston, according to a preliminary report by federal investigators.

Public Safety

25 Days After Explosion, Another Utility Shuts Off Gas in Boston Area

Columbia Gas uprading system following September explosions

Johanna Knapschaefer

October 10, 2018

No Comments

In Woburn, Mass., National Grid shut off gas to 339 homes after a worker inadvertently over-pressurized a line Oct. 8. A similar occurrence Sept. 13 in a Columbia Gas line in the region apparently triggered explosions and fires that burned 80 structures in three localities.

MBTA Approves Signal Systems Upgrades

Johanna Knapschaefer

October 7, 2018

No Comments

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority management board approved a $217.7 million contract to upgrade and modernize the signal systems on two MBTA subway lines.

Research

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Gets $30M for Quantum Testbed

DOE grant will fund advanced advanced computer development

Johanna Knapschaefer

September 25, 2018

No Comments

The testbed will allow researchers to explore superconducting quantum processors.

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Reopens Early for the Second Straight Summer

MBTA resumes Green Line service ahead of schedule

Johanna Knapschaefer

August 13, 2018

No Comments

For the second consecutive summer, the Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation has completed substantial work on an accelerated bridge project early.

Comm. Ave. Bridge Project Stays on Track

I-90 reopened to full capacity a day early on Aug. 5

Johanna Knapschaefer

August 6, 2018

No Comments

Interstate-90 reopened to full capacity on Aug. 5.

Legal

Lawsuits Seek To Block Boston Harbor Development Projects

Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan puts developer interests ahead of public, suits claim

Johanna Knapschaefer

July 30, 2018

No Comments

Plan approving a 600-ft tower in a tidal zone ignores laws and processes put in place to ensure public rights on the waterfront, according to opponents.

MassDOT Warns Drivers To Avoid Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Construction

The $110-million fast-tracked project over the Mass Pike is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 11

Johanna Knapschaefer

July 26, 2018

No Comments

Intensive construction to replace the westbound portion of the Boston's Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is scheduled from July 26 through Aug. 11.

US, New Zealand To Work Together To Advance Geothermal Energy

Johanna Knapschaefer

June 27, 2018

No Comments

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has announced a collaborative agreement with New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to advance cost-effective geothermal technologies

DOE Funds Tidal River Power System in Remote Alaska

Johanna Knapschaefer

June 21, 2018

No Comments

Developers of a grid-connected tidal energy project in a remote region of southwestern Alaska have received a $2.3-million award from the Dept. of Energy to continue work on a cross-flow river current turbine system.