Tunnel Closure
Weekend of October 28
- The Sumner Tunnel/Route 1A South will be closed on Friday, October 28 at 11:00 p.m. and will re-open to traffic on Monday, October 31 at 5:00 a.m.
Tunnel Closure
Weekend of November 4
- The Sumner Tunnel/Route 1A South will be closed on Friday, November 4 at 11:00 p.m. and will re-open to traffic on Monday, November 7 at 5:00 a.m.
Modifications to Project Schedule for November 2022
The original project timeline planned for the Sumner Tunnel/Route 1A South to remain open on Friday, November 11 (Veterans Day weekend). However, due to an anticipated increase in regional traffic volumes during the weekends of November 18 and November 25 (Thanksgiving weekend) the project team has decided to modify the project schedule for November as follows.
Tunnel Closure
Weekend of November 11
- The Sumner Tunnel/Route 1A South will be closed on Friday, November 11 at 11:00 p.m. and will re-open to traffic on Monday, November 14 at 5:00 a.m.
Tunnel Open
Weekend of November 18
- Due to anticipated increase in regional traffic volumes prior to Thanksgiving weekend the Sumner Tunnel/Route 1A South will remain open for vehicular travel during the weekend of November 18.
Weekend of November 25
- Due to anticipated increase in regional traffic volumes on Thanksgiving weekend the Sumner Tunnel/Route 1A South will remain open for vehicular travel during the Thanksgiving weekend of November 25. Weekend closures of the tunnel will resume the weekend of December 2.
Travel Tips throughout the Sumner Rehabilitation project
Traveling to and from Logan Airport
Typical routes to the airport will remain available for use including the Ted Williams (I-90), for travel in both directions, and the Callahan Tunnel (Rt 1A North), which carries traffic to Logan Airport/East Boston from downtown Boston.
If you’re driving from Logan Airport and headed to I-93 North or the North End neighborhood of Boston, a number of signed detours will be in effect during the closure of Sumner Tunnel (Rt 1A South). Follow the links below to view the detour routes and plan your trip.
Logan Airport to Downtown Boston
To reduce traffic congestion during tunnel closures, MassDOT encourages those traveling to or from Logan Airport to leave their cars at home and explore Massport’s list of transportation options to and from Logan, which include: the Blue Line or Silver Line, the Logan Express, or the Logan Water Taxi.
Travel tips to the North End and Downtown Boston
Signed detour maps for travel to the North End and Downtown Boston can be found here:
East Boston to Downtown Boston
MassDOT continues to remind drivers to plan for extra travel time during weekend closures, or consider alternatives to driving, which include: the Blue Line, Silver Line, and the East Boston Ferry, which resumed service on September 12, 2022. Drivers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for email updates through the project website.
In certain situations, the buildup of traffic exiting Logan Airport can extend out into East Boston. In an effort to minimize traffic backups throughout Logan Airport and on neighborhood streets, MassDOT can make real-time changes to travel lanes in the Ted Williams Tunnel. While these changes do not entirely eliminate congestion, they are implemented in an effort to balance traffic volumes during weekend closures of the Sumner and provide safer driving conditions inside the Ted Williams Tunnel.
Anticipated Activities
Weekends of October 28 and November 4
Over the course of these weekends, MassDOT will be repairing the tunnel walls, performing concrete repairs, placing concrete, conducting surveys, and completing all cleaning operations required to open the tunnel by Monday morning. Work will be taking place continuously throughout the weekend.
Local and Regional Impacts
Mitigation plans for dust, noise, vibration, pest control, and traffic will be in effect during construction.
Adjacent projects
In addition to the Sumner Tunnel restoration project, drivers should be aware that MassDOT continues to conduct additional necessary maintenance activities in the area, including the Ted Williams (I-90) and Tip O’Neill (I-93) tunnels. In most cases, maintenance activities require a reduction in travel lanes to allow for the safe completion of work. Understanding the potential travel impacts created by any reduction in travel lanes, this work is scheduled outside of peak travel hours to minimize the impact on regional travel.
How can I find more information?
Stay up-to-date and informed by following the @MassDOT twitter account and Mass 511 for real-time updates, visiting the project website, or emailing us with any questions.
You can also sign up to receive project updates via email by clicking this link.
Project website: mass.gov/sumner-tunnel-restoration-project Project email: Sumner100@dot.state.ma.us
Construction Hotline: (508) 510-2920
