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BOSTON — Boston’s Ted Williams Tunnel was closed to traffic to allow two organ transplants to take place Thursday, one during the morning rush hour, officials said.
The westbound lanes of I-90 and southbound Route 1A ramps were restricted to the tunnel at about 8:15 a.m. to accommodate transfers, MassDOT announced at 8 a.m. as commuters hit roads in and around the city.
The tunnel reopened to traffic shortly after 8:15 a.m., but remaining traffic lingered for miles.
MassDOT said the ramps were again restricted at 11:45 a.m. to accommodate the second member transfer.
The Ted Williams Tunnel and Tobin Bridge have served as alternative travel routes for drivers since the closure of the Sumner Tunnel earlier this month. MassDOT says they are working with public safety and transportation officials to plan for scenarios like Thursday.
“We’ve worked extensively on planning so everyone knows their role and what to do in the event of something urgent,” said Jonathan Gulliver, state highway director. “We were very confident in our approach and this was a great example of how it works in real time.”
No additional details were immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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