MassDOT inspection crews are taking action to ensure safety in the Prudential Tunnel after concrete debris fell from the ceiling on Jan. 21. The incident occurred on the westbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike under Huntington Avenue, causing damage to cars and traffic disruptions. Inspection crews found that the debris fell due to a freeze-thaw cycle, with water freezing in an expansion joint before thawing and dislodging the concrete.
Overnight inspections were conducted at 154 locations across the tunnel system, and overhead shielding has been installed at the affected expansion joint to prevent further incidents. Five other joints will also receive shielding to prevent deteriorated concrete from falling onto the road. Despite the incident, officials state that the tunnel is safe and will remain open, with additional work or lane closures taking place overnight. MassDOT is conducting routine inspections of overpass bridge joints throughout Massachusetts during the winter season, and the Prudential Tunnel is currently undergoing a full inspection every two years.
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