Project: Central Artery Tunnel
Summary
The original six-lane highway, built in 1959 on an elevated structure, was plagued by tight turns, an excessive number of exits, entrance ramps without merge lanes, and continually escalating traffic. The Central Artery project was developed in response to these challenges. Construction started in 1991 and by 1995, the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Storrow Drive Connector Bridge were finished. In 2003, the extension of I-90 to Logan Airport via the Ted Williams Tunnel was completed. By 2005, all lanes in the new Central Artery Tunnel were opened to traffic.
Characteristics and Setting
Classification/Type
New Highway/Freeway
Transportation Mode
Highway
Usage
154,000
Length (mi)
7.80
Economic Distress
0.89
Population Density (ppl/sq mi)
12,135
Population Growth Rate (%)
0.1%
Employment Growth Rate (%)
-0.4%
Market Size
1,748,525
Airport Travel Distance (mi)
13.3500
Topography
4
Geography
Region
New England/Mid-Atlantic
State
MA
County
Suffolk
City
Boston
Urban/Class Level
Metro
Local Area
N/A
Impact Area
N/A
Transportation System
None
Timing
Initial Study Date
N/A
Post Construction Study Date
2006
Construction Start Date
1991
Construction End Date
2006
Months Duration
N/A
Costs
Project Year of Expenditure (YOE)
N/A
Planned Cost (YOE $)
N/A
Actual Cost (YOE $)
$14,800,000,000
Actual Cost (2022$)
$29,443,805,400
Pre/Post Conditions
NOTE: All pre/post dollar values are in 2022$
Transportation
| Measure | Pre project | Post project | Change | % Change |
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Impacts
NOTE: All impact dollar values are in 2022$
| Measure | Total |
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