‘A big test’: Tuesday commutes expected to be worst since Sumner Tunnel closure

BOSTON — Traffic on the roads in and around Boston on Tuesday is expected to be the worst since the Sumner Tunnel closed last 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 travel days of the week right now are Tuesday Wednesday, and Thursday, and those are both morning and afternoon commutes,” MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said.

The Sumner Tunnel closed for eight weeks for restorations and repairs on July 5, but we’re really just starting to see the traffic impacts as people return to work following the Fourth of July holiday break.

About 40,000 drivers typically drive through the Tunnel each day. Gulliver said the Tuesday morning, afternoon, and evening drives will serve as a good indication of just how congested things could get during the shutdown.

During the closure, transportation leaders had initially expected traffic to split evenly between the Ted Williams Tunnel and Tobin Bridge, but they’re seeing 60 to 70 percent of drivers opting for the Ted Williams over the Tobin.

The Sumner is expected to reopen to drivers until Aug. 31.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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