New Boston Tunnel Problems

Governor Mitt Romney is detailing new problems with Boston's tunnel system.

In addition to ongoing Big Dig tunnel problems, the highway department's "stem to stern" review found cracked concrete in the Sumner Tunnel, a problem Romney says will require major repairs to fix.

The problem is largely due to metal rods drilled into the tunnel's concrete walls and ceiling. The rods have rusted over time, causing them to expand and crack the concrete.

Romney says the tunnel, built in 1934, is not an imminent threat, and work to repair the problems can be delayed until portions of the Big Dig closed after July's fatal ceiling panel collapse are reopened.

Romney says repairs to those tunnels are ongoing, and a key ramp to I-90 from the Ted Williams Tunnel should be re-opened by the end of next month.

The new work on the Sumner Tunnel is scheduled to start next summer, and will likely result in major traffic delays in the Big Dig system, as well as around Logan Airport.