Prudential Tunnel Ceiling Removal Project
March 25, 2014
Project Overview
Original to the construction of the Prudential Center and Hynes Convention Center, the suspended Prudential Tunnel ceiling on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) was originally constructed to provide fire protection for the steel girders that support the buildings overhead. Since this initial construction, additional fire protection measures have been implemented, rendering the ceiling obsolete. Additionally, due to normal wear and tear, the ceiling has deteriorated. Repairs and reinforcements have been made, and while the tunnel is safe for use by motorists, the ceiling has reached the end of its useful life span and must be removed.
The work will be accomplished on weekends starting with the westbound side of the Prudential Tunnel, followed by the eastbound side. When a side of the tunnel is under construction, it will be completely closed to traffic. To maintain two-way traffic along the Massachusetts Turnpike during the full closures, traffic will be shifted to a contra-flow lane on the opposite side of the roadway.For example, when the I-90 westbound lanes are closed under the Prudential Tunnel, westbound traffic will be directed to the eastbound side of I-90, where there will be two lanes set for bi-directional traffic. During the eastbound closure, there will be two lanes provided for bi-directional movement on the westbound side of I-90. In both cases, at least one buffer lane will be available for emergencies. State Police details will be utilized throughout the duration of roadway closures and median crossover construction.
Our current work schedule is as follows:
- March 21-23: I-90 Westbound
- March 28-30: I-90 Westbound
- April 4-6: I-90 Eastbound
- April 25-27: I-90 Eastbound
Note: When the westbound side of I-90 is closed, the Arlington Street, Clarendon Street, and Dartmouth Street westbound on-ramps will also be closed. When the eastbound side of I-90 is closed, the westbound Arlington Street on-ramp and the Huntington Avenue off-ramp will be closed, however the Clarendon Street and Dartmouth Street on-ramps will be available.
During weekdays between the March weekend work periods, conditions along the Turnpike will be normal. On the weekends that work takes place, motorists may notice the following:
- Travel patterns in areas of downtown Boston may be different
- Signal timings may be altered
- Some on-street parking may be restricted
- Detours will be implemented
Via this website, we will keep you updated will all news and information related to this project, including current detours and public meetings.
Accommodating All Users During Construction
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and MassDOT understand the importance and relation of the Prudential Tunnel to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and surrounding roadways. During much of the construction, the travel lanes on the Massachusetts Turnpike will be reduced to one eastbound and one westbound lane. The lane reductions will take place with significant advanced notice through the methods outlined above in coordination with the City of Boston and MassDOT. Access to adjacent businesses will be accommodated at all times during construction. We invite you to visit the websites of the Boston Chamber of Commerce and the City of Boston to see the many businesses that will remain open through the construction period.