Mass. Turnpike Authority Closes I-90 Connector Tunnel

July 19, 2006

Mass. Turnpike Authority Closes I-90 Connector Tunnel
July 19, 2006 – Last week, NTA reported that a portion of the Ten Williams Tunnel on the Massachusetts Turnpike was closed due to a fatal accident when a section of the ceiling collapsed. NTA now has learned that the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has closed indefinitely the I-90 Connector Tunnel following that accident.

Safety inspections of surrounding tunnels and bridges are causing delays around the South Boston waterfront district, site of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. A message posted on the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Web site warns attendees that "as the inspections continue throughout the summer…convention guests should be prepared for longer than usual drive times."

The Ted Williams Tunnel between the South Boston waterfront district and Logan International Airport is closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles and the Silver Line bus, which has increased service on the route. In a note sent to members of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau yesterday, Larry Meehan, vice president of media and tourism for the bureau, said visitors should be reminded that the city is open and events are not being canceled.

The Turnpike Authority, the Massachusetts Port Authority, and the Greater Boston CVB all have travel advisories on their websites that provide information about tunnel closures and suggested alternate routes.