MassDOT Bracing for First Real Test of Boston Tunnel Closure

Massachusetts transportation officials continue to urge drivers to “dug the drive” to avoid traffic created by the eight-week closure of Boston’s Sumner Tunnel. Construction inside the tunnel has been ongoing since last week and the tunnel closure will continue throughout the tunnel. the beginning of September. While road congestion was relatively light at the start of the tunnel closure, state highway officials expect the coming week to provide the true test. “I think Tuesday will be the big test,” said Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT Highway Administrator. “Especially Monday morning traffic is usually light. Monday afternoon starts to pick up. Our heaviest travel days of the week right now are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It’s both morning and afternoon commute. Friday afternoon commute is pretty, pretty tough, too. “Even with fewer commuters on the road last week, traffic was bumper-to-bumper in the Ted Williams Tunnel as people looked for alternatives. “With the summer tunnel closed, it means a third of our main roads into the city from the North Shore are now out of service,” Gulliver said. “It’s especially impactful for people coming from East Boston, from the north side of the city and from Logan Airport.” In addition to free rides on the Blue Line, the MBTA also offers discounted parking at parking lots along the line. Ferry rides are also discounted as another alternative.” Congestion coming in from the north is bad even when the Sumner Tunnel is not closed, so we hope this will allow people to get on a boat, get on a bus, get on a train, get on a subway and come into Boston and ditch the drive,” said Massachusetts Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “There were some diversions that were implemented to ease airport traffic,” Fiandaca said of the first day of the closure. . “They will probably continue.” Other diversions were implemented to help manage traffic at the Tobin Bridge, she added. The Sumner Tunnel normally carries vehicles on Route 1A south from Logan International Airport and East Boston to the North End and downtown areas. Originally built in 1934, state officials say it is now in need of a complete overhaul. Ventilation, drainage, security and fire suppression systems will all be brought up to date during the closure, the state said. Gulliver said that as of Sunday, working crews have removed 100% of the suspended ceilings. “We are moving to the next phase of the work, which will be excavating concrete and preparing for the precast arch structure,” Gulliver said. “That phase will continue for the rest of the summer. It’s one that’s a big phase for us.” Gulliver said construction workers will start from the center of the tunnel and work their way out.