MEMORANDUM
TO:
FR:
RE:
DA:
Richard A. Davey, Secretary & CEO
Frank DePaola, Highway Division Administrator
Ongoing Work in the MHS Tunnels
August 29, 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 Northbound Tunnel overnight to allow maintenance,
cleaning and repairs in areas not normally accessible when traffic is flowing through
the tunnel. This is part of a regular series of overnight closures to allow similar work.
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. The contractor has also begun installing a netting system to catch any
debris that could come loose over time as the result of vibrations in the tunnel. The
nets are designed to prevent debris from falling to the roadway. The contractor is also
restoring the median near Arlington Street.
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 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.
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.
MassDOT plumbers continue to charge and test standpipes throughout the MHS
Tunnel system. Recent charging and testing occurred in the HOV Tunnel.
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MassDOT workers repaired the antenna system that supports Boston Fire Department
communication in the Ted Williams Tunnel Eastbound. All first responder agencies
have their own communications channels in the tunnels so that the agencies can
maintain their communications networks outside the tunnels. The work required a
lane closure.
MassDOT workers installed an electronic speed limit sign near the Sumner Tunnel
exit portal. Communications workers will wire the sign after Labor Day.