The Sumner Tunnel will be closed for eight weeks starting next week, with the impact on traffic expected to be expansive and, for many, frustrating. Especially for the residents of East Boston, who have already expressed their concern in the event of an emergency.
“There is a lot of fear that emergency vehicles won’t be able to get to us and take us to a hospital,” Judy Lyons said recently, as the closure approached.
The city has offered guidance on alternatives to be able to transit through the area during the period of time that the tunnel is closed and the MBTA also informed about a free travel plan for travelers.
In addition, additional details about this closure are expected to be provided this Wednesday. Wednesday’s press conference will take place at 9:30 am at the Wonderland MBTA station in Revere. Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca, MBTA General Manager Phillip End, Massport CEO Lisa Wieland, Freeway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu are expected to attend.
So that you have a practical guide and can more easily manage the closure of the tunnel, see here everything you need to know.
HOW TO MOVE
For the past year, the tunnel has already been closed most weekends when repair work began, and residents say the reorganization of traffic has been noticeable. It will be exacerbated by the total closure that will run from July 5 to August 31.
There will be posted detours during the closures, with most cars expected to be detoured onto the Ted Williams Tunnel and Tobin Bridge. Drivers should expect significant delays: About 39,000 cars travel through the tunnel daily, including traffic from Logan Airport.
The Massachusetts Port Authority is advising drivers planning to come to Logan between July 5 and August 31 to allow themselves an additional two hours of driving time with the expected increase in congestion.
The Logan Express, Logan Water Taxi or Hingham/Hull Ferry are also options.
The Blue Line will be free for passengers during this time, and officials also encourage people to use the commuter rail or take one of the ferries.
Travelers should look to use public transportation whenever possible.
Residents and business owners in East Boston, South Boston, and the waterfront should expect to see more traffic in the area. The North End should expect noise and vibration during active construction work.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation says you can use the Mass511 website or download the app to get real-time updates.
WHAT WORK IS BEING DONE
The closure is part of a massive restoration project for the tunnel, which was built in the 1930s. Years of heavy use and age have led to significant needs for upgrades, from exposed rebar to splintered concrete to broken lights. and cracked wall panels.
The project will include bringing the entire space up to code and will include a new roof, new driveway surface, repaired walls, and new lighting.
This closure is meant to boost the project, but it won’t be the last: the summer closure will usher in rolling weekend closures in the fall, with a second summer closure expected in 2024.
