Boston tunnel expected to reopen 2 days early

BOSTON (AP) - State transportation officials say they expect the Callahan Tunnel to reopen a couple of days ahead of schedule.

Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey said Friday that the 52-year-old Boston Harbor tunnel is on track to be ready for the Monday morning rush hour. It was closed for a $19 million renovation project on Dec. 27.

The original schedule called for the tunnel to reopen on Wednesday. The lead contractor, McCourt Construction, will be eligible for more than $140,000 in bonuses if the new Monday timetable is achieved.

The tunnel carried a weekday average of 30,000 vehicles to East Boston and Logan International Airport. Motorists were urged to use other routes, including the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Tobin Bridge, during the renovation, which included replacement of the deck, curbing and wall panels.

Cox Media Group