[topfile]

I was thinking the same thing.

But why suspend a multi-ton concrete
slab over traffic?

There must be some Structural Engineers
reading this thread who can shed some
light on this?

[PajamaTruthMafia]

But why suspend a multi-ton concrete slab over traffic?

The original reason given was the need to create a plenum (air duct) to evacuate the exhaust gasses from the tunnel. The reason they were so heavy was they needed to sustain hurricane force winds when they cranked the fans up all the way in the case of an accident and fire. Then, there were some reports that said they didn't need to be so heavy as they were mostly cosmetic.

Now they are taking down all the panels and will reopen the tunnel w/o any because they "think" it will be ok....

If they do indeed need a plenum and they open the tunnel w/o it, and there's a big fire and they can't evacuate the smoke, there might be a major disaster in our future...