Sumner Tunnel Closure Expected to Cause Heavy Traffic Congestion Starting Monday
BOSTON – Massachusetts transportation officials are warning commuters to expect heavier traffic congestion starting Monday due to the closure of the Sumner Tunnel for construction throughout the summer.
The Sumner Tunnel officially closed to all traffic on July 5 and will remain completely shut down until Thursday, August 31. During this time, crews will be working on the ceiling, road, walls, and lights, as well as implementing safety and climate improvements.
State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver stated on Sunday that there have been no setbacks so far, and everything is going according to plan. The removal of suspended ceilings is already complete, and workers are now focusing on chipping out concrete and preparing for precast arch construction, which will continue for the rest of the summer.
While the area was closed last week, officials anticipate that the biggest impact on traffic will occur during the Monday commute. Gulliver explained, “Last week was an extremely light traffic week. It was a holiday week, and a lot of people were on vacation. Impacts were pretty minor. We expect that to really increase over the next few weeks as those holiday travelers come back. We’re really encouraging everybody to leave a lot of extra time.”
Traffic is expected to be affected in East Boston, north of the city, and at Logan Airport. Gulliver also mentioned that there will likely be residual impacts on parts of the Mass Pike, the Southeast Expressway, and other routes into the city. He advised commuters to plan ahead, especially if they have time-critical appointments, and to give themselves extra time to reach their destinations.
MassDOT has implemented plans to ensure fast emergency response times, including a command center with direct access to agencies on the grounds. Gulliver stated, “In the event of an emergency, we can work with people who are there on the ground, such as a detail cop, and have them stop or redirect traffic if necessary. That enables us to make decisions really quickly.”
To assist commuters who have to drive, there is an app called MASS 511 that provides up-to-date information on the quickest travel routes.
For more information on the Sumner Tunnel closure and detours, visit the official website.
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How will transportation officials mitigate traffic congestion during the closure of the Sumner Tunnel?
Roving drainage and ventilation systems. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety and longevity of the tunnel.
Commuters who rely on the Sumner Tunnel for their daily commute are advised to seek alternate routes or means of transportation. Public transportation options, such as the subway and bus services, will be available as a convenient alternative.
However, officials anticipate that the closure will lead to heavier traffic congestion on other major roadways, especially during peak hours. To mitigate some of the traffic impact, transportation officials have implemented various measures, including adjusting signal timings, increasing police presence, and providing real-time traffic updates.
Transportation officials urge commuters to plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, and consider carpooling or ridesharing options to help alleviate traffic congestion. They also encourage employers to explore flexible work arrangements, such as alternative work schedules or remote work options, to reduce the number of vehicles on the road during construction.
Additionally, transportation authorities will closely monitor the traffic situation during the closure and make adjustments as needed to improve traffic flow. They will also continue to communicate updates and provide resources to help commuters navigate the detours and alternative routes effectively.
While the closure may inconvenience some commuters in the short term, the improvements made during this construction period will contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of the Sumner Tunnel. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is committed to completing the necessary work within the scheduled timeframe and minimizing disruptions as much as possible.
