Sumner Tunnel in Boston closed for one month
BOSTON – For the second straight year, the Sumner Tunnel in Boston is closing for a lengthy renovation.
When does the Sumner Tunnel close?
The closure went into effect Thursday at midnight and is scheduled to be in place until August 5.
After the work is completed, the tunnel will be closed most weekends between now and mid-November.
Last year, the Sumner Tunnel was closed for even longer. It was shut down for two months.
Why is the Sumner Tunnel closed?
MassDOT crews completed ceiling work during the 2023 closure. This time, construction crews will be ripping up the road inside the tunnel and repairing the driving deck.
Though transportation officials admit it is an inconvenience for drivers, they say it will extend the tunnel's lifespan by 75 years.
"It's going to be much improved. Fire safety is going to be one of the biggest benefits that we put into place last year. This year it's going to be improvement of the pumps that are underneath the tunnel so that it can handle much larger storms without any roadway floodings," MassDOT state highway administrator Jonathan Gulliver said.
East Boston businesses worried
The closure could potentially hurt East Boston businesses who need the foot traffic. Santarpio's Pizza has been a staple in the area since 1903. The hot spot is typically a reason that people stop on their way to the airport, not the traffic.
"A lot of people are afraid to come through the tunnel because they're afraid they can't get back. It's very difficult going through Logan Airport," said Frank Santarpio, owner of Santarpio's. "[Last year] we started doing a lot of DoorDash and stuff to make up for the people notcoming in."
Los Menores Barbershop is a bit luckier than most businesses in the area. Barbers there say most of their customers come from East Boston, Revere and Everett. The tunnel may be less of an issue.
"It's more difficult moving from Government Center and here," said barber Cristofer Martinez, "The drive is difficult for people living here. It's OK; it's better in the future for us."
Public transportation during Sumner Tunnel shutdown
There are several free public transportation options you can use while the Sumner Tunnel is closed.
Riders can access the Blue Line for free during the closure and slow zones have been removed.
The East Boston ferry will also be free of charge and the Commuter Rail coming from the North Shore will have a reduced fare.
Ferry rider Jim Feenstra flew into Logan Airport on Tuesday, and he was able to avoid the closure. Last year, the shutdown caused him problems getting home from the airport.
"Trying to get home and the Sumner is closed; we either are taking the [Ted Williams Tunnel] or going north on the 1. It's a hassle," said Feenstra. However his ferry ride was quick and easy, "Piece of cake. I would recommend it to anybody because you get a view of Boston from the water that many people who visit the city don't get."
How to get to Logan Airport
Traffic is expected to be congested at Logan Airport due to the closure. If you do have to drive to Logan, you're urged to leave extra time.
The state posted a list of detours for anyone traveling to or from Logan Airport during the shutdown.
If you're coming to or from the North.
- To Logan: Take I-93 South to Route 1A North/Callahan Tunnel or take US-1 South
- Leaving Logan: Take MA-1A North to US-1 North
If you're coming to or from the South.
- To Logan: Take I-93 North to Route 1A North/ Callahan Tunnel, or take I-90 East/Ted Williams Tunnel
- Leaving Logan: Take I-90 West/Ted Williams Tunnel to I-93 South
If you're coming to or from the West.
- To Logan: Take I-90 East and use the Ted Williams Tunnel
- Leaving Logan: Take I-90 West/Ted Williams Tunnel
However, city officials suggest people utilize public transportation during this time. They also encourage commuters to use their GPS to find the most logical way to get to their destination.
