Photo: Kim Tunnicliffe (WBZ NewsRadio)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Gov. Maura Healey, outgoing Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca, and other state officials toured the Sumner Tunnel on Wednesday.
The tunnel closed on July 5 for phase one of a major restoration project and is scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. on Friday morning.
"After eight weeks of continuous round-the-clock work, we are proud to be announcing the reopening of the Sumner Tunnel," Healey told reporters. "This is on time and in time for our upcoming Labor Day weekend and the start of rush hour traffic."
Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver led Healey, Fiandaca, Undersecretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and MBTA General Manager Philip Eng on the tour, highlighting the tunnel's improved safety features.
"The tunnel is now brighter with more than 500 new energy efficient LED lights that were installed," Gulliver said. "We installed over 700 new precast ceiling arches and the new wall panels, and that’s going to provide improved structural integrity and safety well into the future, as well as our much improved fire rating."
Gulliver also noted the work done on the tunnel's ceiling and ventilation system.
"Drivers will notice the new arches as they drive through as opposed to the drop ceiling, that’s going to be a huge part of this tunnel," said Gulliver. "It’s going to feel more open, it’s going to feel safer, and the ventilation system means more clean air throughout the tunnel for drivers as they’re going on their way."
Wednesday's tour came just a few days after the Healey Administration's surprise announcement that Fiandaca will depart from her position on Sept. 11 and stay in an advisory role for the remainder of the year. Officials did not say why she is leaving, but said that it is her choice.
The Sumner Tunnel will be closed most weekends from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024 as the restoration continues. Another two-month shutdown is scheduled for next summer.
WBZ's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports.
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