Massachusetts State Police Tunnels Barracks – Boston, MA

State Police Tunnels Barracks (Station H-9)

Guardians of the Big Dig

The Massachusetts State Police Tunnels Barracks, designated as Station H-9, is a specialized facility located at 100 Massport Haul Road in South Boston. Opened in December 1995 to coincide with the completion of the Ted Williams Tunnel, this barracks is responsible for the safety and security of the Metropolitan Highway System’s complex underground infrastructure. Known commonly as the ”Big Dig,” this jurisdiction covers approximately 45 miles of roadways, including the intricate network of tunnels, ramps, and connectors that weave beneath the city of Boston.

Specialized Jurisdiction

Station H-9’s area of responsibility is unique and demanding. It includes the Ted Williams Tunnel, the Sumner and Callahan Tunnels under Boston Harbor, the Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. Tunnel (I-93 Central Artery), the Prudential Tunnel, and the CANA Tunnels in Charlestown. Troopers here are specially trained to handle incidents in confined environments, working closely with the Highway Operations Center to manage traffic flow, respond to accidents, and mitigate hazards such as vehicle fires within the tunnel system. Their jurisdiction also extends to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) terminals in East Boston and the Leverett Connector.

Operational Focus

The Tunnels Barracks operates 24/7, maintaining a vigilant watch over the city’s most critical transportation arteries. The location on Haul Road places troopers minutes away from the tunnel portals, allowing for rapid response times. In addition to traffic enforcement, the barracks plays a key role in homeland security, monitoring these vital assets for any potential threats. While primarily an operational hub, the station serves as a point of contact for issues specifically related to travel within the tunnel system.

• Tunnels: Ted Williams, Sumner, Callahan, O’Neill.
• Role: Rapid response to underground incidents.
• Safety: Monitoring the Metropolitan Highway System.

Station H-9 ensures that the engineering marvels connecting Boston remain safe passages for the thousands of vehicles that traverse them daily.