Photo: Courtesy of MassDOT
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced the updated schedule for the upcoming Sumner Tunnel closure.
The Sumner Tunnel — which connects Logan International Airport and East Boston to I-93 and downtown along Route 1A southbound — was originally going to be closed for two months over the summer.
Now, MassDOT released an update on Tuesday, saying that the closure will only last a month, from July 5 to Aug. 5.
However, there will be additional weekend closures before and after the month-long closure.
“This is a change in what we had originally intended, so it will require more weekend work. But we know from experience that weekend closure is far less impactful than a full closure during the two-month period in the summer,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.
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The restoration project began in April 2022 to fix various aspects of the tunnel to “increase safety and climate resiliency.”
The upcoming work will focus primarily on rebuilding the road deck, which is the surface people drive on.
“It’s still going to be by far the most impactful project that we’re going to be doing this summer… because of the location of the tunnel,” said Gulliver.
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“Please be patient. We are doing this as quickly as we can… We are very cognizant of the disruptions that this causes… We’re providing as many options as possible,” explained Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.
Officials urged commuters to use public transit to reduce traffic jams.
In light of the tunnel closure, the MBTA is providing free Blue Line rides, free and reduced-cost water ferry options, fare-free service on key Chelsea bus routes like the Silver Line 3, and other discounts for Commuter Rail fares and parking fees.
“As MassDOT and the Highway Division tackles critical infrastructure projects like the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project, the importance of a multimodal transportation system is front and center,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng.
The offerings are similar to those during the summer of 2023 when MassDOT closed the tunnel for two months to restore overhead arches and ceilings.
The Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project is a $160 million investment in Massachusetts’ infrastructure.
“Once we’re done, it’s going to extend the life of that tunnel for another 50 years,” added Gulliver.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin reports.
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