As mention by naushoncap122 (but I want to keep it under 1 thread instead of multiple ones) there is a problem with the scaffolding.
Dangling scaffolding causes traffic jam on Storrow Drive
By Peter Schworm, Globe Staff and Boston.com staff | July 3, 2006
A large scaffolding platform on the 14th floor of a building under construction at Charles Street and Storrow Drive became unstable this afternoon when a support beam bent and the platform was left dangling high over the ground below.
Officials said fortunately workers on the platform at the time were able to get off the scaffolding safely.
However, traffic on both sides of Storrow Drive had to be rerouted as a safety precaution. Traffic over the Longfellow Bridge and along Charles Street was being slowed because of the incident and pedestrian traffic was diverted around the scene.
Even though the normal traffic volume was below normal because of the long holiday weekend the closing of the road did present problems for those making their way to the nearby Hatch Shell for tonight's Boston Pops rehearsal performance of the program it will present Tuesday night at its traditional July 4th concert.
Before the incident took place it had been planned to close Storrow Drive West to highway traffic at 6:30 p.m. because of the rehearsal.
Offficials said they did not know for sure what caused the scaffolding to drop but it might have been due to excessive weight.
The hotel construction project is being carried out on what was originally the site of the historic Charles Street Jail.
The new building in what is generally referred as the Charles Circle area will be 16-stories high and is near the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Shortly after 6 p.m. it was reported a 75-foot crane was enroute from South Boston to work on the removal of the dangling platform. It was not immediately learned just how long such a job would take.
Television reports from the scene showed workmen holding lines keeping the platform secured to the building.
WHDH-TV also reported that Boston television stations had been requested by State Police to keep news helicopters away from the accident scene for fear vibrations from the copters might cause the platform to fall.
I think that the original cupola was painted white; I'll be curious to see if this is the final color.
