Transportation

Callahan Tunnel Rededicated With New Cross Street Sign

New Callahan Tunnel Sign on Cross Street
Sara Connolly of Fulton Street sings the National Anthem (Photo by John Romano)

The Callahan Tunnel was rededicated on Saturday morning by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Acting MassDOT Secretary Frank DePaola, former Secretary Jeff Mullan, City Veterans Commissioner Francisco Urena, Lt. Callahan’s niece and other family members presided over the ceremony.

The tunnel originally opened on Veterans’ Day in 1961, and was named in memory of Lt. William F. Callahan Jr., a Newton soldier who fell in the mountains of northern Italy during the final days of World War II.

Earlier in the year, the Callahan Tunnel was closed for extensive renovations. In conjunction with the $19.3 million rehabilitation project, MassDOT unveiled this new commemoration sign in the name of Lt. Callahan during this week of Veterans Day.

New Callahan Tunnel Sign on Cross Street
Lt. Callahan’s Niece, Kathleen Kelly, speaks at the ceremony in front of 128 North Street
New Callahan Tunnel Sign on Cross Street
Acting MassDOT Secretary Frank DePaola Unveils the New Sign
(L-R) Acting MassDOT Secretary Frank DePaola, Lt. Callahan's Neice and Brother, Boston Veteran Affairs Commissioner Francisco Urena
(L-R) Acting MassDOT Secretary Frank DePaola, Lt. Callahan’s Neice and Brother, Boston Veteran Affairs Commissioner Francisco Urena

Photos by Matt Conti, unless otherwise noted.

View more history about Lt. Callahan and the tunnel in this previous post.