Massachusetts tunnel repairs done

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 of 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.

The Transportation Department said it expected the state to meet safety criteria before reopening the ramp.

Romney said state workers repaired suspect ceiling panels in the closed tunnel section and shored up giant ventilation fans suspended above the road.

If the ramp is reopened, it would be the first measure of relief for motorists who have been denied a direct route to Logan since the fatal accident July 10.