MassDOT offers travel options during Sumner Tunnel closing

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) – If you’re planning to fly in or out of Logan International Airport in Boston, take note that the Sumner Tunnel will be closed from Friday, July 5, through Monday, August 5, 2024.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has come up with a plan for alternative travel options while the tunnel is closed for construction that includes demolishing and replacing the tunnel deck and roadway surface. The original plan called for the tunnel to be closed for two months, but has been reduced to one.

Built in the 1930’s, the tunnel is one of the oldest of its kind in the nation with over 39,000 vehicles traveling through per day. It is the main connection for East Boston, Logan Airport, and a main entry point for the North Shore and one of four ways into the City of Boston.

“We understand that the impact from this closure will be considerable for those who live and work in the area and need to travel in and out of Boston,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “In recognition of that, we are providing as many options as possible to ‘Ditch the Drive’ and find alternative ways to move about the area.” 

“MassDOT truly appreciates the interagency partnerships and community input to identify appropriate mitigation efforts,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We strongly encourage folks to take advantage of the numerous free and reduced fare transit options.” 

Below are the travel options:

TRAVEL TO/FROM EAST BOSTON AND NORTH END 

MBTA Blue Line and Parking 

• The entire Blue Line in both directions will be free to riders. Gates will be open at all Blue Line stations from Wonderland to Bowdoin. 
• An additional train will be added to the Blue Line in the midday period to help support more riders riding the line. 
• All MBTA parking lots and garages on the Blue Line will be reduced to $2/day. Additional free parking is available near Wood Island Station. 
• Visit mbta.com/Sumner for additional information. 

Discounted Tolls 

• Discounted tolls will be provided for the Tobin Bridge and Ted Williams Tunnel for those registered in the Resident Discount Program. 
• Real Time Traffic monitoring will be available at 13 local intersections. 

 East Boston Ferry 

• The East Boston ferry will be free during the tunnel’s closure. 
• The East Boston ferry service project operates between East Boston at Lewis Mall and the downtown Boston area at Long Wharf. East Boston ferry service schedules are available online with all ferry service schedules available at mbta.com/ferry. 

  TRAVEL TO/FROM THE NORTH SHORE 
 Commuter Rail and Parking 

• Zone 1A ($2.40) fares from Salem and Swampscott Commuter Rail. Parking at Salem and Swampscott is just $2 per day. 
• Free parking at lots north of Salem, including Beverly, Gloucester, Hamilton/Wenham, Newburyport, North Beverly, Monserrat, Rowley, and West Gloucester. 
• Blue Line benefits also apply. Travelers are encouraged to utilize the Wonderland Station parking lot if coming from the North Shore. 
   

Lynn Ferry 

• The Lynn Ferry will operate between the Blossom St. dock in Lynn to Long Wharf, Gate 4, in Boston (near Aquarium). 
• Free parking at the City of Lynn-owned lot will be available near the Blossom St. dock. Bicycles are allowed on the ferry. 
• Riders may use a Zone 1A fare ($2.40). 
• The Lynn Ferry will operate five days/week on weekdays only, with 10 trips per day. Schedules are being finalized and will be released as soon as they’re available. 

  TRAVEL TO/FROM LOGAN AIRPORT 
 Logan Express 

• There will be a 25% discount when you buy tickets online, and children under 17 ride free. 
• Adding additional parking capacity at Braintree Logan Express. 
• MBTA Silver Line (SL1 & SL3) buses can use the I-90 EB Emergency Ramp. 
• Providing passengers who take water transportation to the airport a “Ticket to Skip” to the front of the line for checkpoint screening. 
• Added stop at Logan Airport by the Winthrop Ferry. 

TRAVEL TO/FROM CHELSEA 
 MBTA Busing Routes 

• Five bus routes in Chelsea free during the closure: 111/112/114/116/117 
• SL3: inbound and outbound will be free at these stops: Airport, Bellingham Square, Box District, Chelsea, and Eastern Avenue. 

More information on the Sumner Tunnel restoration project, go to the Mass.gov website  and sign up for email updates at MassDOT.