How many people are inconvienenced by a damaged sidewalk? A few.
How many people in a large city are pissed off when one of the major roads are closed? Hundreds of thousands.
I'm just glad I do not have to drive thru Boston or get to the airport, like I did when I was employed (do not want to swear and use that 4 letter word that starts with a "w").
The "year" I mentioned is in regards to the roof panels. The mess about the entire big dig will live forever, even after it is replaced in 50 years.