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MassDOT installs protective shielding in Prudential Tunnel after debris falls
MassDOT inspection crews conducted overnight inspections and installed overhead shielding after concrete debris fell from the ceiling Jan. 21.
MassDOT inspection crews are implementing safety measures after debris fell from the ceiling of the Prudential Tunnel on Jan. 21.
The debris fell on the westbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike under Huntington Avenue, damaging several cars and causing traffic disruptions.
The concrete debris fell from the tunnel ceiling due to a freeze-thaw cycle, officials said. Water froze in an expansion joint and surrounding concrete, and when it thawed, the concrete became dislodged from the joint and fell into the road, according to officials.
Inspection crews conducted overnight inspections at 154 locations across the tunnel system from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, according to a MassDOT representative. Crews completed work at the site of the incident but did not identify any additional areas requiring immediate repairs, the representative said in a statement.
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Overhead shielding has been installed at the affected expansion joint and will be installed at five other joints within the tunnel, according to the representative. The installations were scheduled to begin Monday night and were expected to be complete by Tuesday.
The shielding will be installed to prevent small pieces of deteriorated concrete from falling into the roadway, the representative said. Five inspection crews assessed the expansion joints for any signs of loose concrete.
MassDOT says it is routinely inspecting overpass bridge joints across Massachusetts throughout the winter. The Prudential Tunnel is inspected every two years and is currently being fully inspected, officials said.
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Officials said the tunnel is safe and will remain fully open, with any additional work or lane closures taking place overnights.
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