Big Dig Tunnel Ready To Reopen

The section of tunnel where a woman was killed in Boston's Big Dig is ready to reopen as soon as it is cleared by Federal inspectors. Repairs have been completed to the roof panels and ventilation fans have been shored up.

BOSTON - Safety repairs to a portion of the Big Dig tunnel where a motorist was killed by falling ceiling panels have been completed and the section will reopen once federal authorities give the OK, Gov. Mitt Romney said Friday.

Romney gave no estimate when federal authorities would finish their review, but said they were aware of the urgency of addressing traffic congestion that would be partially relieved once the so-called "Ramp A" is reopened, providing a key link to Logan International Airport.

However, the Republican governor told a news conference he was open to making any changes that the Federal Highway Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation's inspector general may recommend to ensure the ramp is safe.

"If so, those will be made. If not, we'll be ready to roll," Romney said.

Phone messages to the Federal Highway Administration and Department of Transportation's inspector general were not immediately returned Friday.

Other sections of the project remain closed with no projection on when they will reopen.