BOSTON — At the stroke of midnight Wednesday, the Sumner Tunnel officially closed to traffic.
The tunnel will remain closed for the next eight weeks 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.
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.
During the closure from July 5 through August 31, traffic is expected to be snarled in and around Boston. 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.
Traffic is expected to be especially terrible going to and from Logan Airport, so much so that Massport is encouraging people to add an additional two hours of travel time for their airport commutes.
The Logan Express bus is also offering discounted tickets.
Officials are hoping everything goes well over the next eight weeks, as they will have to do the same thing again next year.
The Sumner Tunnel will close for eight weeks once again next summer to replace the driving surface.
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