BOSTON — After nearly a century of service, the Sumner Tunnel will undergo an extensive restoration process starting Friday night, which will impact commuters, travelers, and people in the surrounding communities.
The tunnel will bed for 36 weekends and will close every Friday at 11:00 p.m. and reopen again on Mondays at 5:00 a.m. During tunnel closures work will be taking place 24/7.
“Closing the Sumner Tunnel is not a decision we’re making lightly. We know the project will lead to detours and delays for North-of-Boston and East Boston commuters, as well as complications for many Logan travelers,” said a spokesperson from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
However, in coordination with local agencies and emergency services, MassDOT is offering detour options for those commuters whom this will affect.
Drivers from East Boston seeking to reach the Downtown Boston area will be rerouted to the Ted Williams Tunnel via Bennington Street and onto I-93.
Drivers leaving Logan Airport seeking to reach the Downtown Boston area will be rerouted to the Ted Williams Tunnel and onto I-93.
Drivers leaving Logan Airport seeking to reach I-93 North will follow signs for Route 1A North to Bell Circle Rotary. Drivers will follow signs to Route 16 to Route 1 south. Proceed over the Tobin Bridge and follow signs on Rutherford Avenue. Continue through Sullivan Square and onto I-93 North.
Drivers traveling along Route 1 south towards Downtown Boston are encouraged to divert to Route 1A in Revere at the Bell Circle Rotary. Once on Route 1A, drivers will be rerouted to the Ted Williams Tunnel and onto I-93.
Drivers traveling along Route 1A south towards Downtown Boston are encouraged to continue along Route 1A and will be rerouted to the Ted Williams Tunnel and onto I-93.
The restoration plan for the tunnel includes repairs and improvements to the walls, deck, and ceiling inside the Sumner Tunnel.
“Once completed, the Sumner Tunnel will be in compliance with the majority of current design and safety standards,” said a spokesperson of MassDOT. “The project will provide a new roadway surface for vehicles traveling through the tunnel, and extend the lifetime of the tunnel overall.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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