Title: Kidney Transplant Causes Temporary Closure of Ted Williams Tunnel, WWE Host Claims Partial Responsibility
Subtitle: An organ transport disrupted the morning commute, making way for a life-changing kidney transplant
BOSTON — Thousands of commuters were temporarily affected on Thursday morning as the Ted Williams Tunnel was closed for two organ transplant procedures, causing major traffic disruptions in Boston. The closure was partly attributed to a kidney being transported through the tunnel, with a WWE host claiming partial responsibility for the unprecedented shut down.
Megan Morant, a WWE host, took to social media to reveal that her kidney donation was responsible for one of the closures, as it made its way to Logan Airport to save a life. While she admitted not knowing the exact destination of her kidney, Morant expressed her hope that it flew first class to reflect the significance of the life-changing impact it would have on its recipient.
At approximately 8:15 a.m., the I-90 westbound lanes and the Route 1A southbound ramps leading to the Ted Williams Tunnel were restricted to facilitate the safe transport of the organ, according to a statement from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Although the tunnel reopened shortly after 8:15 a.m., significant traffic congestion persisted for miles due to the residual effects of the closure.
In a similar vein, at 11:45 a.m., the ramps were again restricted to accommodate a second organ transplant, MassDOT announced.
The closures of the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Tobin Bridge earlier this month have led to increased traffic and congestion in the region, as they serve as alternate routes following the closure of the Sumner Tunnel. MassDOT assured the public that they have been working closely with public safety and transportation officials to plan for such scenarios, emphasizing the need for efficient coordination during urgent situations.
State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver commented on the success of their planning efforts, stating, “We worked extensively on planning so that everyone knows their role and what to do in the event of something urgent. We’ve been very confident in our approach and this was a great example of how it works in real time.”
As the morning commute resumed its regular flow, Boston residents expressed appreciation for the life-saving impact of organ transplants and offered support for the individuals involved in the process.
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