Behind-the-scenes look at construction inside Sumner Tunnel as 8-week closure begins

BOSTON — We are getting a behind-the-scenes look at a $160 million renovation project happening inside the Sumner Tunnel.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca, Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, and other elected officials joined the media in a tour inside the tunnel.

“The Sumner Tunnel was one of the first tunnels in Massachusetts for car travel, one of the oldest tunnels in the country at nearly 100 years old, and it’s due for a major restoration and renovation,” said Driscoll.

The Sumner Tunnel will be closed for construction from July 5 to August 31. During that time, crews will replace the ceiling of the tunnel, update the lighting and communications systems, and install new cameras and radio systems, among other things.

Gulliver said 40,000 vehicles travel through the tunnel daily. Now, they are encouraging those drivers to utilize other modes of transportation whenever possible.

There will be free Blue Line service for riders coming from north of Boston, discounted Commuter Rail rates along the North Shore, and expanded ferry service from East Boston, the Seaport, Lynn, Winthrop, and Salem.

“We are really hoping that people will get out of the cars, ditch that drive, and like it,” Driscoll said. “Maybe they will stay using the commuter rail or public transportation even afterwards.”

While traffic is expected to worsen all throughout Boston, it will be especially backed up for drivers headed to and from Logan Airport.

During the shutdown, Massport officials are encouraging people to leave for their flight four hours before boarding. This suggestion is based on the usual recommendation that passengers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight, then add an additional two hours for expected backups getting to the airport.

They are also urging people to consider taking public transportation to Logan. To accommodate that, there will be free service on the blue and silver lines and more capacity on the Logan Express buses.

“Our advice to drivers, especially if you’re going to the airport or if you have a time-critical appointment, is really give yourself as much time as possible,” Gulliver said.

MassDOT officials said the Sumner Tunnel will have to close again next summer – likely for another two months -- for the next phase of the repair project to replace the driving surface.

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Behind-the-scenes look of construction inside Sumner Tunnel ahead of 8-week closure Behind-the-scenes look of construction inside Sumner Tunnel ahead of 8-week closure

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