State highway officials today reopened the I-90 connector tunnel to some vehicles, including buses, trucks and SUVs. The tunnel was closed a week ago after a concrete ceiling panel fell, crushing a car and killing one motorist. “The tunnel isn’t much safer,” said a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Highway Department, “But we think larger motor vehicles -- with their reinforced ceilings and stronger cabs -- should be able to protect their occupants in the event of another collapse.”
The state’s decision comes after an analysis conducted by Bechtel Corporation, the principal contractor for the Big Dig, which showed that the risk of harm to passengers increased dramatically when driving smaller cars. “Sedans, hybrid cars and cheap SUV-wannabees aren’t going to keep you safe when the concrete comes down,” said the Bechtel report. “But a well-made, solid behemoth will.”
Massachusetts Turnpike officials said they were relieved by the news. The closing of the connector had cost the authority hundreds of thousands in lost revenue from tolls. “In addition, trying to fix the ceilings was proving an expensive proposition,” said a spokesman. “As government officials, we take seriously our responsibility for wisely spending tax dollars. Replacing an costly ceiling that was only three years old just didn’t make sense -- and remember, despite the fact that millions have used the tunnel, it’s only fallen once. Those aren’t bad odds.”
Others cheered the news as well. Local automobile dealers said they expected to see a spike in sales, as owners of smaller cars purchased SUVs. “In a way, I think this accident may prove to be a blessing,” said one dealer. “It will stimulate sales, provide a boost to our economy and generate jobs. If you think about it, that’s not a bad trade-off for just one life lost.”