BOSTON — No matter where you’re driving around Boston this summer, you’ll likely hit extra traffic once the Sumner Tunnel closes down for renovations.
“If you’re coming from the west or you’re coming from the south, and you’re heading into the city, you will see additional congestion, you will especially see it if you’re coming in from the north shore,” said Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT Highway Administrator.
Gulliver says the tunnel is 90 years old, and these repairs are critical to keeping it safe for drivers.
“It’s approaching the end of its useful life for a lot of elements including the ceiling and the driving deck,” said Gulliver.
The first phase of the project will focus on re-doing the ceiling of the tunnel.
Then next summer, MassDOT says the tunnel will need to close again so they can re-do the deck or driving surface.
MassDOT just opened a new command center to keep track of the traffic concerns they’re expecting in less than two weeks when this project gets underway.
“Especially for traffic control this command center will serve as a way of identifying where the problems are and working to give those problem areas resources, so we can correct them,” said Gulliver.
The Sumner Tunnel will close on July 5th through August 31.
MassDOT is encouraging people to ‘ditch the drive’ if possible this summer since traffic could be a nightmare around Boston.
A few other options include the Blue Line, which will be free for riders coming from north of the city.
There will also be discounted rates on the commuter rail along the north shore, as well as an expansion of ferry services from East Boston, Seaport, Lynn, Winthrop and Salem.
“If you choose to drive, especially if you’re going into Logan Airport, you need to allow for a lot of extra time, doesn’t matter what time of day it is, this is a 24-7 operation,” said Gulliver.
Gulliver says public safety is also a concern especially for the East Boston area while the Sumner Tunnel is closed, so they’ll have a new plan in place to keep extra ambulances on standby in that neighborhood to make sure first responders can avoid any delays in case of an emergency.
Gulliver also says the construction company faces heavy penalties if the work is not done on time to give the contractor an extra incentive to make sure the work is done by September 1. The company will face a fine of $250,000 a day for each day the work may run late.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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