In the early 20th century Boston had been suffering from a great deal of daily traffic, so a solution was necessary. In 1930 the Boston Transit Commission proposed a new tunnel and street modifications. Spearheaded by Mayor James Curley in 1933 the plan passed in the Massachusetts state government and the project was set into motion.

New mile long traffic tunnel was built from the corner of Hanover to Cross Street in the North End, to East Boston, and then coming out at Porter Street.

Cross St was widened from 25 feet to 90 feet.

North St was widened from 20 feet to 100 feet.

Safety islands were placed in both of these new widened roads.

The Tunnel and immediate approaches costed 16,000,000 and an additional $3,000,000 was allocated for widening and modifications for surrounding streets. 90 parcels of land were bought up with roughly 500 buildings occupying them.

This tunnel was electrifying for the city and surrounding areas…

“Many believe—will give Boston a NEW LEASE OF LIFE—a new business and building boom and a future outlook that will not only benefit Boston but every city and town to the north and northwest of Boston—even unto the New Hampshire line—and beyond.” -A. J. Philpott