BOSTON -- Big Dig officials announced Wednesday that the new Interstate 93 southbound tunnel will open later this month, marking the completion of the last major portion of the massive highway project.

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Jack Harper Reports On Tunnel Opening Complete Big Dig Coverage

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that Big Dig chief Matt Amorello confirmed the tunnel will open to traffic Dec. 19.

To mark the event, a special Boston Pops concert is planned in the tunnel.

"We will be doing obviously some holiday music. We will be right in the middle of Christmas concerts in Symphony Hall -- our holiday concerts we usually do for the people of Boston. That will be an important part of it. Definitely some nods to the patriotic nature of this event, and also I think we would definitely be remised if we didn't get 'On The Road Again' and the '(Ballad Of The) MTA' in at some point," said Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart.

The interim opening of then I-93 south tunnel will be music to the ears of motorists, but it will not be without hassle along the way with a year of work yet to complete including lighting, electronics, walls, ceilings and the final pavement.

"What people need to remember is this is an interim opening, and the real reason for opening at this time is so we can tear down the elevated artery," said Big Dig project director Mike Lewis. "(With the) demolition of the elevated artery, we are able to complete the rest of the project and get the parts restored and really see the completion of this project. This is as much a step in getting to completion as it is a traffic benefit.

"There will be some traffic benefit for people coming from the north to get to the downtown area, but the full benefit of the southbound flow will not be realized for a year when we complete southbound construction."

Officials hope to have traffic on the roadway late Dec. 19.

Citizen's Bank will sponsor the Pops concert event.