A look at the Sumner Tunnel roof before repairs were made. Photo: Mass. Department of Transportation
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Brace for impact. That's the word from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, as it prepares for the first real commuter week with a closed Sumner Tunnel in Boston.
Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, speaking to reporters on Sunday, said the traffic from the Sumner closure will really start to pick up on Tuesday. Gulliver said recent traffic patterns suggest car traffic in and out of Boston is heaviest mid-week.
"I think Tuesday is going to be the big test. Monday traffic, Monday morning traffic in particular is usually light. Monday afternoon is when things start to pick up, and our heaviest days of the week right now are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday," he said.
Gulliver said traffic in the first few days after July 4 was relatively light. In terms of the work, Gulliver said construction is proceeding as planned.
"The contractor has a really good plan, we've worked really closely with them... we're confident we're going to hit the end date in August 31st," he said. He said all of the tunnel's suspended ceilings have been removed.
The MBTA's Blue Line is free for the duration of the closure, and the Newbury/Rockport Commuter Rail line is discounted.
WBZ's Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSausville) has more:
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