DCR Storrow drive repairs may impact Esplanade

Storrow Drive Tunnel meetings to be held

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation has scheduled two public meetings on the repair of the Storrow Drive Tunnel. Portions of the tunnel, which carries eastbound traffic underground near Arlington Street and supports westbound traffic, were built in the 1950s and are in need of safety repairs, said department spokeswoman Vanessa Gulati. The first meeting is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Gardner Auditorium at the State House. The second meeting will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the Shriners Hospital auditorium. One option the department is considering during the construction -- diverting traffic onto the Charles River Esplanade -- has provoked controversy. The design and review process for the project is expected to take about 14 months.