Boston Transportation Alert: Sumner Tunnel Closure

Jul 31, 2023 | Miscellaneous

The Sumner Tunnel remains shut down for restorations, significantly impacting travel in the area. The Sumner Tunnel, a crucial transportation artery, links downtown Boston with East Boston. It provides a direct route for daily commuters and those accessing Logan Airport. The tunnel will be completely closed from July 5 to August 31 of this year, along with most weekends during the fall and winter. The city also plans for another full closure during the summer of 2024.

We understand if this causes some concern for customers, but we are here to help! Don’t hesitate to ask how this may or may not affect your trip. Our knowledgeable staff will make sure you arrive at your destination safe and on time! We have heard that other companies in the area are adding fees to trips that are “directly affected” by the closure. Although that is their prerogative, we will not be adding any fees to trips that might experience a surge of traffic or require an alternate route. Rest assured that our number one priority is to get you to your destination safely and efficiently!

Call us at 978-750-6666 or email us at reservations@webbtrans.com. Also, feel free to request a quote or make a reservation on our website! Check out the Mass.gov website for more information.

Transportation routes impacted the most:

Overall, commuters can expect increased traffic across the Greater Boston Area. The below routes stand to gain the heaviest increase in traffic:

  • Logan Airport travel
  • Southbound travel

Brief Boston transportation history of the Sumner Tunnel:

Construction of the Sumner tunnel began in 1932 and it opened to the public in June 1934. The city hoped to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a faster journey for commuters with the groundbreaking engineering feat.

Originally, the tunnel operated as a toll facility with toll booths at the entrances. The toll system continued operations until its abolishment in 1957, making the tunnel accessible to more motorists.

Over the years, the Sumner Tunnel underwent several renovations and upgrades to meet modern transportation needs. In 1994, the installation of murals on the tunnel’s walls took place, transforming it into a unique and artistic experience for drivers passing through.

In 2017, the Sumner Tunnel celebrated its 83rd anniversary, reflecting its enduring significance as a vital transportation channel in the greater Boston area. It continues to serve as a critical link for commuters and visitors, connecting them to important destinations in the city. To sum up, the Sumner Tunnel played a crucial role in reshaping Boston’s transportation infrastructure and is an iconic symbol of engineering prowess and urban connectivity.