WORCESTER, Mass. - The Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel has appeared in scenes for "Black Panther 2" and "Honest Thief" with Liam Neeson. But the city began its latest project at the tunnel in October 2021. And after working with consultants, they put a couple options on the table. The city can pay to make improvements to the tunnel or, close it forever.

For more than 60 years, the tunnel has helped cars skip the traffic in Lincoln Square and get downtown faster. But declined use over the years has city leaders weighing their options.

The city hired TEC Engineering Group to examine the tunnel, and their recommendation was to permanently close it.

What You Need To Know

  • A recommendation from TEC Engineering would call for the permanent closure to Worcester's Ernest A. Johnson tunnel

  • TEC also provided the city with options to keep it open, which included repairs to the concrete and debris nets

  • The tunnel has been closed for more than a year, and has previously been used for films

  • Presrvation Worcester says while unique, a closure wouldn't be much of a surprise

"It's something that people don't recognize and don't know," said Preservation Worcester's Deborah Packard. "So that began our interest in the tunnel."

Packard says while she would understand a closure, it would still be a shame. But a decision on the Johnson Tunnel's fate is yet to be made.

TEC provided the city with additional options: install debris netting, which would cost roughly $1.2 million, or make improvements to the concrete, and cost between $3.6 million and $7 million.

A complete closure would cost between $2 million and $3 million and would consist of backfilling the tunnel.

"I've broached with the city because parking is such an issue in the area, whether it could be somehow transformed into parking," Packard said.

Preservation Worcester's mission is to preserve historic sites and structures in the city. Packard says while they've held events looking to get more attention on the tunnel in the past, this isn't on their list of priorities at the moment.

"I think for Worcester people, there are certain places that are Worcester places, like Kelley Square, like other places," she said. "So, in a way, it's a shame to lose them. But then if it makes sense to lose them, I don't think this is that important."

There will be activity around the tunnel in the near future with the redevelopment of the old Boys Club. A decision by the city regarding the next steps will not be made until after that project is completed.