Page 22 - French and Electric Blue - Winter 2017-2018

Echo 4 Patrolling the Tunnels
One of the duty stations with the most
unique responsibilities in the Massachusetts State
Police is Station E-4, the Tunnels Barracks. On any in the Seaport section of the city, grew to 45-50
given day, E-4 Troopers are responding to crashes
and other incidents and protecting the critical
infrastructure of the tunnels and bridge systems
that serve Boston and the surrounding area. This
article offers a more detailed look of the history
and role of this distinct MSP station.
History of E-4
The Ted Williams Tunnel barracks (E-
4) was established in 1995 as part of Troop
E. This was prior to the actual opening of the
Ted Williams Tunnel itself, which occurred
in 1996. The original detachment consisted of
approximately 15 Troopers, Sergeants and a
Station Commander. The barracks also took
primary jurisdiction of all roads encompassed
in the Central Artery project, commonly known
as “The Big Dig.” By 2003 the Central Artery
Tunnels, Route 93 North and South, and the
Leonard Zakim Memorial Bridge were opened for
traffic as well. Troop E was tasked with meeting
the needs of all the roads which were now flush
with commuters. In addition to the traffic needs,
Troop E was now a fixture in the community
in and around Boston. They took responsibility
for two maintenance facilities, seven large vent
F r en c h·a n d·E le c t r ic·B l ue·W in t er·2017/2018·p a g e·22
buildings which now dotted the skyline, and large
toll facilities in East Boston. The barracks, located
Troopers by 2003.
In 2011, as part of an agreement with
Troop F and Massport, Troop E took over
responsibility for the Maurice Tobin Bridge. The
Tobin Bridge serves as a connector for busy Route
1 as it traverses the Mystic River and connects
commuters from Route 1 in Chelsea to Route 93 in
Boston.
Manpower
The barracks is currently staffed by 34
Troopers, 6 Sergeants and a Lieutenant serving
as SCO. In addition to these Troopers there are
a number of assets which are assigned to the
Troop who work in and around the area. The vast
responsibilities to the infrastructure in the area
require additional Troopers from throughout
Troop E to be deployed in the area on a 24/7 basis.
These Troopers man Emergency Response Stations
which are strategically located in the patrol area
and are designed to respond to any incident within
2-3 minutes. The primary focus of these posts is to
assist in responding to crashes or other incidents
in the patrol area’s six major tunnels, two bridges,
and more than 70 ramps. The personnel at E-4
are also responsible for critical infrastructure
components related to those roadways. Some