Officials say hundreds of cracked construction nuts have been found within the Big Dig tunnel system.

Highway Administrator Tom Tinlin disclosed Wednesday more than 100,000 nuts have been inspected. Nearly 900 damaged nuts were found in the Ted Williams Tunnel and 49 nuts need to be replaced in the Turnpike Connector Tunnel and the Interstate 93 tunnel.

The nuts hold up lights weighing up to 130 pounds. Transportation officials say there is no danger of them falling.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation says the first cracked nut was discovered during a routine inspection in the Ted Williams Tunnel last month.

Officials hope to finish the Ted Williams Tunnel inspections by the end of October and the remaining checks by the end of November. The price is not known yet.