Transportation officials warn of potential bottlenecks in Boston

By Lauren Dezenski, Globe Correspondent

Drivers, beware. Repair work will slow down commuter traffic near Leverett Circle this afternoon and shut down the westbound Ted Williams Tunnel overnight, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said.

A plate covering a roadway defect is prompting drivers to proceed cautiously over the ramp from Leverett Circle to Interstate 93 South, MassDOT said, and though State Police will assist with traffic flow this afternoon, the reduced speeds will create backups along the roadways into Leverett Circle. MassDOT warned drivers to seek an alternate route or be prepared for delays.

To alleviate congestion, the I-93 South HOV lane will open at 2:30 p.m. Repairs on the roadway defect, which began Monday, are expected to wrap up overnight tonight.

Overnight, the westbound Ted Williams Tunnel will be closed. MassDOT’s maintenance schedule requires all lanes of Interstate 90 West in the tunnel to be closed from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Both locations should be clear of maintenance crews by the morning commute, officials said.