New Boston underground tunnels off-limits to transportation of hazardous materials

Feb. 1, 2003
A ban is in effect on hazardous cargo transportation in new Massachusetts underground tunnels in the Boston area. They include the now-open MassPike tunnel

A ban is in effect on hazardous cargo transportation in new Massachusetts underground tunnels in the Boston area. They include the now-open MassPike tunnel connector, linking Route 90 East and West to the Ted Williams Tunnel and the South Boston Interchange.

The MassPike had scheduled for January 26 the opening of a tunnel connector ramp from Route 93 North in the vicinity of South Bay (Route 93 N Exit 20) to Route 90 East, which will lead to the South Boston interchange and the Ted Williams Tunnel.

The third tunnel in question is scheduled to open February 16, when the state will open Route 93 North — an underground highway system through the city of Boston (formerly known as the Central Artery North).

After Route 93 is open, trucks hauling hazardous materials will have to take an alternate route. If hazmat carriers do go through the tunnel, they will be forced to back out of the tunnel — approximately two miles.

The alternate route will be Atlantic Avenue, north of Washington Street, that reconnects with 93 North at Rutherford Avenue. For more information, phone Anne Lynch at 617-695-3512.

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