‘It’s going to be a nightmare’: True traffic test to come Monday in Sumner Tunnel closure

BOSTON — Even though the Sumner Tunnel has been closed since Wednesday, transportation leaders said the true traffic test won’t come until Monday – the first workday following the Fourth of July vacation week.

The tunnel will be closed through the end of August as crews work to replace the ceiling, install a new electric system and communications system, and do other upgrades.

When all is said and done, drivers will notice a bigger, brighter tunnel thanks to an elevated ceiling and a new lighting system.

Logan Airport was bustling Sunday morning as people returned from their holiday destinations.

“It’s going to be a nightmare,” said Andrew Smith, of Boxford, who was dropping loved ones off at Logan Sunday morning. “It’s hard enough to get into Boston on the best of days, never mind closing one of the main access tunnels to the city. It’s going to be awful.”

MassPort has recommended people add an additional two hours of drive time to get to Logan Airport during the Sumner Tunnel closure. “At 6 o’clock in the morning [on a Sunday] it’s fine, but during the week, never, absolutely not,” Smith said. “I can’t imagine coming here the next two months. I’m just going to avoid it.”

Boston 25 News got a behind-the-scenes look at the $160 million renovation project two weeks ago.

The nearly 90-year-old tunnel was the first traffic tunnel built in Massachusetts and is among the oldest in the nation. MassDOT officials said 40,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel every day, and now all those drivers will have to find another route.

Traffic is expected to detour evenly between the Tobin Bridge and the Ted Williams Tunnel, so transportation leaders are urging people to “ditch the drive” and utilize public transit whenever possible.

To encourage people to do so, they are offering free and discounted rates on trains, ferries, and buses.

During the closure, all rides on the Blue Line will be free.

Trips from any station on the Newbury/Rockport Commuter Rail Line will be just $2.40.

The MBTA is also offering free or reduced ferry service from East Boston, Winthrop, and Lynn, and discounted rates at certain parking lots.

“There’s not enough of it [public transportation] and it’s not really that reliable either,” Smith said. “I used to work in Boston and it was just hit or miss. Sometimes the train shows up, sometimes it doesn’t. You never know.” Officials are hoping everything goes well this summer as they will have to close the Sumner Tunnel for eight weeks once again next summer. They plan to replace the driving surface (roadway) next year.

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

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