For such an expensive and fairly new project that went well, well over budget, Boston’s Big Dig tunnel and bridge systems shouldn’t be in need of frequent repairs, but that’s not the reason why we’re sharing this video. We’re showing you this clip caught from a security camera in the Tip O’Neil Tunnel because of a scary incident, which fortunately, did not turn into an accident.
The footage shows a State Trooper sitting in his cruiser on the far left lane with his lights on to warn drivers to move to the two right lanes due to construction work ahead, when all of a sudden, a car came speeding into one of the two closed left lanes (cones were positioned before and after the cruiser).
The car fishtailed almost smashing into the rear end of the police cruiser before the motorist regained control, with the officer immediately setting off to catch up with the driver.
The Massachusetts State Police released the video and issued a statement saying that driver was not impaired, and urged drivers to be extra careful in construction zones. You can read the release below
Shout out to Maria S. for the tip!
[From Massachusetts State Police]
“State Police urge motorists to slow down and use caution in construction zones. This video shows Trooper Jay Clement’s cruiser, stationary in the tunnel. It is difficult to see in the video, but both left lanes were closed to traffic. The lanes were closed by illuminated traffic signs and high visibility traffic cones. The lane closure started approximately one mile prior to entry into the tunnel. Cones were placed against the left side roadway barriers and gradually tapered into the left lane, followed by an illuminated arrow board. More cones then followed and again tapered into the next left lane, then continued into the tunnel. The double left lane closure continued until the exit of the tunnel at the Zakim Bridge.
In this video you will see a motorist in a small black car, approach Trooper Clement at a high rate of speed. Trooper Clement noticed this vehicle at the last moment. Miraculously the operator of the small black car turned at the last moment, missing Trooper Clement, by only inches. The small black car was sliding out of control when he passes Trooper Clement. Subsequently, Trooper Clement stopped the motor vehicle. The operator was not impaired.
It is heard all too often of police cruisers being struck. This video shows why it is so important to slow down in construction zones, and pay attention to the road construction signs. This incident was only inches from being something far worse.”
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