WORCESTER, Mass. - It's been more than a year since Worcester’s Johnson Tunnel was open to the public.

It used to help drivers get downtown quicker, but it’s become a less popular route in recent years and now a consulting group hired by the city recommends permanently closing it. Other options include installing debris netting for roughly $1.2 million or making improvements to the concrete structure, which cost between $3.6 to $7 million.

City Councilor Moe Bergman says he’s asking the city to look at creative ways to keep the structure a part of downtown Worcester. 

“If nothing else, it can be used as additional parking for downtown. It can also be used, maybe rent it out with tables and chairs for a café style atmosphere. I’ve seen art galleries being used in repurposed tunnels. There’s all sorts of naming rights that are possibilities,” Bergman said. “So I know there’s going to be a cost and I’m not asking that cost be put on the taxpayers but I think if you look at creative ways to fund this or creative repurposing uses, there might be a way to save it.”

The city said Bergman's request is being reviewed, but ultimately any decision on the tunnel will be determined once the redevelopment of the former Boys Club on Salisbury Street is complete.