Boston’s Ted Williams Tunnel closes twice for organ transplants

BOSTON — The Ted Williams Tunnel in Boston was closed to traffic to allow for two organ transplants Thursday, including one during the height of the morning commute, officials said.

The I-90 westbound lanes and the Route 1A southbound ramps to the tunnel were restricted around 8:15 a.m. to accommodate the transport, MassDOT announced at 8 a.m. as commuters hit the roads in and around the city.

The tunnel reopened to traffic shortly after 8:15 a.m. but residual traffic lingered for miles.

The ramps were restricted again at 11:45 a.m. to accommodate a second organ transport, MassDOT said.

The Ted Williams Tunnel and Tobin Bridge have been serving as alternate travel routes for drivers since the Sumner Tunnel closed earlier this month. MassDOT says they have been working with public safety and transportation officials to plan for scenarios like Thursday.

“We worked extensively on planning so that everyone knows their role and what to do in the event of something urgent,” said State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We’ve been very confident in our approach and this was a great example of how it works in real time.”

There were no additional details immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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