The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced that the Sumner Tunnel will be fully closed for just one month this summer, rather than for two months as originally planned.
The tunnel will be closed from July 5 until Aug. 5. Weekend tunnel closures will begin this weekend and proceed as scheduled until July 5, and are expected to continue into the fall, with the exception of holiday weekends.
“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration and MassDOT for ensuring this critical work is completed while minimizing disruptions to the region,” state Sen. Brendan Crighton said in a press release.
“We appreciate the administration’s decision last year to split the full-time closure schedule into two years, during the lowest traffic months, and we are grateful this work will be completed ahead of schedule this year,” Crighton, who is the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, added.
During the month-long closure, MassDOT said in a press release that it encourages people to use public transportation when possible. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will provide discounted and free public-transportation options for commuters during the closure, including free rides on the Blue Line, reduced fares for the Lynn Ferry, reduced fares for the Newburyport-Rockport Commuter Rail line, and discounted parking at select MBTA lots and garages.
Crighton said that due to the accessibility and affordability of the public-transportation mitigation options, the joint committee is confident that all the “appropriate” steps have been taken to ease the burden for commuters.
State Rep. Dan Cahill said that although these disruptions are frustrating, they are necessary for the improvement of infrastructure in the area.
State Reps. Pete Capano and Jenny Armini both said that the reduced closure time is a testament to the current administration’s hard work, dedication, and collaboration.
“This kind of thoughtful, responsive planning will make a major disruption easier for North Shore commuters to manage,” Armini said. “The reduction in closure time is key — as are the more affordable public-transit options.”
More information regarding the closure of the Sumner Tunnel is available at mass.gov/sumner-tunnel.
