‘Plan ahead’: Heavy traffic expected during 1st Monday commutes of Sumner Tunnel shutdown

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

“Last week was an extremely light traffic week. It was a holiday week. A lot of people were on vacation and impacts were pretty minor. We expect that to really increase over the next few weeks as those holiday travelers come back,” said Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT High Administrator.

According to MassDOT officials, work inside the Tunnel is going smoothly but delays are about to get worse.

“We are really encouraging everybody plan ahead regardless of what direction you’re coming in from especially if you have a time-critical appointment give yourself a lot of extra time to get there if you need to catch a flight or get to a doctor’s appointment,” said Gulliver.

MassPort has recommended people add an additional two hours of drive time to get to Logan Airport during the Sumner Tunnel closure.

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.

MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver discusses 1st real traffic test of Sumner Tunnel shutdown

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