Big Dig tunnel expected to reopen after review completed

BOSTON -- Safety repairs to a portion of the Big Dig tunnel where a motorist was killed by falling ceiling panels have been completed and the section will reopen once federal authorities give the OK, Gov. Mitt Romney said Friday.

Romney gave no estimate when federal authorities would finish their review, but said they were aware of the urgency of addressing traffic congestion that would be partially relieved once the so-called "Ramp A" is reopened.

However, the Republican governor told a news conference he was open to making any changes that the Federal Highway Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation's inspector general may recommend to ensure the ramp is safe.

"If so, those will be made. If not, we'll be ready to roll," Romney said.

Phone messages to the Federal Highway Administration and Department of Transportation's inspector general were not immediately returned Friday.

Romney said state workers repaired suspect ceiling panels in the closed tunnel section and shored up giant ventilation fans suspended above the road.

If the ramp is reopened, it would be the first measure of relief for motorists who have been denied a direct route to Logan since the fatal accident July 10.

Traffic would be able to flow from South Boston into the Interstate 90 eastbound connector tunnel -- where the accident occurred, then to the airport via the Ted Williams Tunnel.

Several Big Dig tunnels and ramps have been closed to traffic since 12 tons of concrete ceiling panels fell from the I-90 connector onto a vehicle carrying Milena Del Valle, crushing her to death.

Romney said inspecting and reopning those sections could take months.