Traffic in Boston came to a sudden halt on Friday when a chunk of concrete unexpectedly fell from the ceiling of the Prudential Tunnel on Interstate 90. Several vehicles were damaged, but thankfully no one was injured.
Video footage from a traffic camera captured the terrifying moment when the concrete crashed down, sending drivers into a panic as they hit their brakes to avoid the falling debris. Massachusetts State Police quickly shut down the tunnel’s travel lanes while crews cleared the area and checked the tunnel’s safety.
Officials believe the concrete fell because of the freeze-thaw cycle — a weather pattern where cold temperatures are followed by warmer ones. Over the past few weeks, Boston has experienced extreme cold, followed by a storm bringing rain and ice. The warmer temperatures on Friday likely caused ice to melt and expand within the tunnel’s joints, loosening the concrete and making it fall.
After a fast-track emergency inspection, the tunnel was reopened. Jonathan Gulliver, the state’s highway administrator, reassured the public that inspections are regularly conducted to prevent incidents like this. He also announced that crews will be checking other tunnels across the state to spot any similar issues before they become dangerous.
Despite the dramatic scene, Gulliver emphasized that this type of failure is very rare and not something drivers should expect frequently. Nonetheless, officials encouraged anyone who notices signs of structural issues, like icicles or cracks, to report them immediately to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
With the freeze-thaw cycle continuing through the winter, state crews will stay vigilant, keeping an eye on tunnels and roadways to prevent future incidents and keep drivers safe.
