Trucks too tall for Sumner Tunnel to get extra warnings to prevent incidents

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is taking action to prevent trucks from getting stuck in the Sumner Tunnel in Boston.

When a truck exceeds height restrictions and then enters the tunnel there's a risk of structural damage and the road ends up closed for hours.

There have been at least three over-height trucks removed from the Sumner Tunnel in just the past week.

MassDOT now plans use digital signs to offer alternative routes to truckers looking to access Interstate 93 northbound and southbound.

The Highway Division is also working on gaining access to a new system that would use GPS and wireless digital communication platforms to deliver specific messages directly to the cab of the trucks.

MassDOT will post new "low clearance" signs and put chains on existing signs as well to make sure drivers know if their vehicles are too high.

Maximum heights for Boston tunnels

The maximum heights for major tunnels in Boston are:

• Ted Williams Tunnel: 13'6"
  
• Tip O'Neill Tunnel: 13'6"
  
• Sumner Tunnel: 12'6"
  
• Callahan Tunnel: 12'6"