The Ted Williams Tunnel heading into South Boston was briefly shut down at 8:15 a.m. Thursday for an organ transplant, according to MassDOT.
The Ted Williams — which carries Interstate 90 between South Boston and East Boston — is one of the major detours being used for the Sumner Tunnel closure. It carries traffic both directions, and is an important link to Logan Airport.
The tunnel was closed down in the westbound direction for the transplant, transportation officials said.
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters.
Drivers in the area were told they may experience brief delays.
New England Donor Services, which was not involved in the case, said that steps have to be taken to ensure safe and efficient transportation of organs donated for transplant.
"Organ transportation is time-sensitive, as the viability of the organ decreases with time," Sean Fitzpatrick of New England Donor Services said. "Therefore, charter aircraft carrying organs for transplantation are often appropriately given priority over other flights and ground transportation might include the use of ambulances, police escorts and the use of lights and sirens."
