Amorello to Resign

BREAKING NEWS: WRKO (680AM) is reporting this morning that Matt Amorello has agreed to resign as chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

More later.

UPDATE: From the Boston Globe...

Under fire Mass. highways chief resigns

BOSTON --Massachusetts Turnpike Authority Chairman Matthew Amorello, under fire since part of a Big Dig tunnel collapsed and killed a passing motorist, agreed Thursday to resign after weeks of pressure on him to step aside.

His decision comes after pressure from fellow Republican Gov. Mitt Romney for Amorello to step down -- pressure that has intensified since July 10, when 12 tons of ceiling panels fell from a Big Dig tunnel, crushing a passing car and killing the passenger.

Amorello's resignation will be effective Aug. 15, but he will continue to receive his $223,000 annual salary through Feb. 15.

He announced his decision an hour before a scheduled hearing in the governor's office during which Romney planned to seek his removal.

"This avoids a potentially protracted and costly process to remove Mr. Amorello from his position," said Romney communications director Eric Fehrnstrom. "Ultimately, it is the right thing in order for the Turnpike Authority to move forward and regain the confidence of the public."