MEMORANDUM
TO:
FR:
RE:
DA:
Richard A. Davey, Secretary & CEO
Frank DePaola, Highway Division Administrator
Ongoing Work in the MHS Tunnels
September 12, 2014
To follow is a summary of maintenance and construction activities performed last week
in the Metropolitan Highway System Tunnels.
Overnight work:
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MassDOT closed the I-93 Southbound Tunnel overnight to allow construction,
maintenance and other work in areas of the tunnel not normally accessible while
traffic is flowing. This is part of MassDOT’s regular series of full overnight closures.
Contractors are repairing water infiltration at multiple points within the O’Neill
Tunnel (both directions) and on related ramps. Recent work included slurry wall
repairs and repair and replacement of fireproofing materials.
Water infiltration repair work is also underway in the I-90 Connector Tunnel (both
directions) and the Ted Williams Tunnel Eastbound.
A contractor working on behalf of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is
performing ongoing ceiling-related construction in the Prudential Tunnel. The
contractor is also installing new fireproofing materials. The contractor continues to
repair the walls and remove supplemental steel and concrete, which requires periodic
lane closures.
A contractor working on behalf of the owner of the Prudential Center continued work
on the ceiling of the Prudential Tunnel Westbound. This is a different section of the
ceiling than what has been noted above.
MassDOT continued the Callahan Tunnel rehabilitation with repairs to the tunnel
wall and installation of the wall panel support system. The tunnel re-opened in
March; rehabilitation work continues with periodic lane closures and occasional full
closures as needed.
A contractor took strain gauge readings near the I-90 Connector Tunnel Eastbound.
The readings are part of MassDOT’s ongoing effort to monitor the thawing of soil
frozen in the area during construction of the tunnel.
A contractor performed a routine inspection of portions of the I-93 Southbound
Tunnel and related ramps. A contractor also performed a similar inspection on the
Northbound side. Contractors are also inspecting the Eastbound and Westbound
tunnel sets and related ramps.
A contractor continued repairs to the roadway wearing surface near the entry portal of
the Ted Williams Tunnel Westbound. The contractor is also making similar repairs at
the Eastbound entry portal.
A contractor continued repair work on a barrier in the Ted Williams Tunnel
Westbound. The barrier is being demolished and replaced. The work is necessary
because of ordinary wear and tear over the life of the tunnel, complicated by the
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freeze-thaw cycle. The barrier is near expansion joints, and the shifting of the joints
was a contributing factor as well. Those joints are being repaired.
MassDOT plumbers continue to charge and test standpipes throughout the MHS
Tunnel system. Recent charging and testing occurred near ramps D (Congress Street
to I-93) and F-D (Ted Williams Tunnel Westbound Exit 24 to I-93).
MassDOT workers replaced four cases of bulbs and 3 ballasts in the Prudential
Tunnel Westbound.
A contractor installed a new crash attenuator in the Prudential Tunnel Eastbound.
MassDOT workers wired a newly-installed speed limit sign near the exit portal of the
Sumner Tunnel, in the vicinity of Ramp ST-S (Sumner Tunnel to Storrow Drive).
The sign was installed recently in an effort to reduce motor vehicle crashes in the
area.
A contractor spliced cables in a fan room in the Prudential Tunnel Westbound. The
work required a lane closure.