First Phase of the Big Dig Complete!

The Mass Pike extension to Logan Airport through the Ted Williams Tunnel was officially opened today, allowing much airport traffic to bypass downtown Boston.


(It's worth noting the the Big Dig press releases mention that I-90 (of which the Mass Pike is the easternmost part) now runs from Seattle to Logan Airport, so you folks from Seattle who had previously been avoiding flying out of Logan because the drive took you through downtown Boston can now make full use of it.)



Completion of the Big Dig is scheduled in four phases:

Phase 1: Connecting the Mass Pike to Logan Airport (done!)

Phase 2: Opening the Central Artery Tunnel northbound tube (due in Mid-March 2003)

Phase 3: Opening the Central Artery Tunnel southbound tube (due in early 2004)

Phase 4: Removal of the old roadway and conversion to parklands (due in 2005)

By the time Noreascon 4 rolls around, the roads will be complete and open -- alas, the parkland will not yet be ready, though.