MassDOT hoped this would stop Boston’s trucks at height; This is not the case

MassDOT installed additional signs around the Sumner Tunnel two weeks ago to remind truck drivers of the height limitations. The first step of the plan doesn’t seem to have helped. Video from surveillance cameras inside the tunnel showed an all-too-familiar scene: A tractor-trailer hit the ceiling and got stuck inside. MassDOT released surveillance video of the truck entering the tunnel around 11 a.m. Tuesday. Once inside, the video shows him taking the left lane of the tunnel for a moment, his roof scraping the tunnel ceiling before stopping. The left lane was closed for approximately half an hour. Trucks remain stuck inside one of Boston’s low-clearance tunnels. New low clearance signs have been installed in front of tunnel entrances, and chains have been installed on existing signs to warn drivers of tunnel clearance. However, WCVB found during a morning drive last week that half of the chains were wrapped around the sign. MassDOT also said it is working to install digital signs in front of the Sumner Tunnel, intended to broadcast alternate routes to truckers wanting to access Interstate 93. “The Division of Highways is also in the process of acquiring a network of Smart Roadways virtual signs”, a press release. of MassDOT in late April, said. “The system will use GPS and wireless digital communications platforms to transmit specific messages directly to the truck cabin.” MassDOT will have the ability to select up to 200 virtual sign locations that will be used to display information as needed. The maximum heights of Boston’s major tunnels are as follows: Ted Williams Tunnel: 13′ 6″ Tip O’Neill Tunnel: 13′ 6″ Sumner Tunnel: 12′ 6″ Callahan Tunnel: 12′ 6″