A look at the entrance of the Callahan Tunnel where construction workers have been ahead of schedule on the March 12 re-opening date.
With the Callahan Tunnel Rehabilitation Project runÂning a bit ahead of schedule, we were given the opportuÂnity to walk the tunnel on Wednesday as construction work took place. The schedÂuled re-opening date remains March 12th, but MassDOT executives appeared optimisÂtic that incentives for conÂtractor McCourt could mean an earlier opening to traffic. Work started at both ends, at North Street in the North End and on the other side of Boston. Crews are working toward the middle using hyÂdro-based machinery to blast off the foundation down to the steel rails so the flooring can be replaced with new concrete. The sides of the tunnel are also undergoing rehab so that a new bracket structure can be installed for the panels that will help brighten the interior space.
A direct hotline to the conÂtractor has been established to resolve problems, such as noise. The contractor is tryÂing to limit loud noise in the overnight hours, but they conÂcede that has not always been possible. A “tunnel door” will also soon be in place at the entrance. In addition to reducÂing noise, the door will allow for heating when the concrete floor is poured. Temperatures were well below freezing on Wednesday afternoon when this video and photos were taken, but it was almost 40 deÂgrees inside the tunnel.
