Boston’s Sumner Tunnel is closing in less than a month. From July 5 to Aug. 31, communities near the area and drivers will feel the effects of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) restoration project in the tunnel, with inbound and outbound traffic congestion increasing.
But the good news is that for North Shore residents, there are other options to get to and from the city this summer.
The Lynn legislative delegation, in collaboration with the Healey-Driscoll administration and Lynn officials, has come up with a mitigation plan. It includes free Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) Blue Line trips, reduced Commuter Rail fares, and the return of the Lynn-to-Boston commuter ferry.
“While the tunnel closure will be challenging, these robust service improvements will help take cars off the road and get people to where they need to go at a price they can afford,” the delegation of state Sen. Brendan Crighton and state Reps. Dan Cahill, Peter Capano, Jenny Armini, and Donald Wong said in a statement.
The commuter ferry is a recent development, as the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC/Lynn) and MBTA signed a lease at the end of May to use EDIC/Lynn’s pier, terminal, and parking lot.
“I appreciate the efforts of the Healey-Driscoll administration, our state delegation, federal partners, and our EDIC to bring water transit to Lynn, offering critical mitigation for our residents and region, and supporting our long-term vision for growth on the waterfront,” said Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson.
The ferry will operate between the Blossom Street dock in Lynn and Central Wharf in Boston, which is near the Aquarium stop on the Blue Line. It will run on each weekday, with 10 trips a day.
The cost for riders will be $2.40 and free parking is available near the dock in Lynn. Bikes are allowed on the ferry. A final ferry schedule will be made available soon.
According to EDIC/Lynn Executive Director James Cowdell, a one-way trip on the ferry will take 35 minutes.
“We are excited to offer commuters an option in getting in and out of Boston and are thankful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for their support,” Cowdell said.
For the Commuter Rail from Salem and Swampscott, prices will follow Zone 1A fares at $2.40. Parking at Salem and Swampscott is $2 per day.
There is free parking available at stations in Beverly, Gloucester, Hamilton/Wenham, Newburyport, North Beverly, Montserrat, Rowley, and West Gloucester.
MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said he was “pleased” that the MBTA and MassDOT worked together to provide free Blue Line services this summer.
“The MBTA has been working hard to reduce travel times on the Blue Line in anticipation of this project. We have the capacity needed on the Blue Line to serve our existing and new customers on this line, and I encourage those who can to take advantage of this free service in July and August,” Eng said.
“Since launching the Sumner Tunnel restoration project last year, we have been working closely with our partners to identify any and all mitigation measures we can put in place,” Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said. “Our message to residents and those traveling is when moving through this area, if possible, leave your car at home and explore the MBTA’s transit options, including the Blue Line, Commuter Rail, and ferry-service options available to you.”
