“If feasible, we encourage both residents and travelers to avoid using their cars when navigating through this area.”
In response to the upcoming closure of the Sumner Tunnel during July and August, which serves as a crucial route for traffic from East Boston and Boston Logan International Airport to Boston and Interstate 93, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced its plans to offer travel alternatives. These alternatives, including free Blue Line service, aim to mitigate the anticipated increase in traffic.
In February, MassDOT unveiled a revised repair timeline for the Sumner Tunnel, revealing that it will be closed from July 5 to August 31, 2023, and will undergo another closure in the following summer.
These closures are anticipated to cause heightened congestion in the vicinity of the airport, leading state officials to strongly advise drivers to refrain from using their cars and consider alternative modes of transportation when traveling in the area.
Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, while discussing the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project initiated last year, emphasized the collaborative efforts with partners to identify and implement various mitigation measures.
In light of this, the message to residents and travelers passing through the area is to consider leaving their cars at home whenever feasible. Instead, they are encouraged to explore the transit options provided by the MBTA, such as the Blue Line, Commuter Rail, and available ferry services.
To mitigate the repercussions of the closure during July and August, MassDOT, in coordination with the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project, will be implementing the following measures:
- Free trips on the MBTA Blue Line during the tunnel’s closure
- Free and reduced-cost water ferry options
- A new ferry service between Lynn and Central Wharf in Boston
- Reduced commuter rail fares for riders
- Reduced parking costs at MBTA and commuter rail parking lots and garages
- Discounted tolls for residents
- Additional options for travelers to and from Logan Airport
Free Trips On The Blue Line
MassDOT has announced that trips on the Blue Line, spanning from Wonderland to Bowdoin stations, will be free in both directions to accommodate those affected by the Sumner Tunnel closure during the summer. Additionally, the MBTA will be adding an extra train to accommodate the anticipated increase in ridership during this period.
To further facilitate commuters, parking at Blue Line stations will be offered at a discounted rate of $2 per day. Additional parking spaces will also be made available near Wood Island Station.
MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of MassDOT and the MBTA in providing free Blue Line service to individuals impacted by the tunnel closure. Eng noted the MBTA’s efforts to reduce travel times on the Blue Line ahead of the project and assured the capacity necessary to serve both existing and new customers. He encouraged those who can take advantage of the free service during the months of July and August.
Alternative Travel Options To Logan
In response to the congestion around Logan Airport, MassDOT has introduced several initiatives:
To address the heavy traffic, MassDOT announced discounts for the Logan Express service. Online ticket purchases now enjoy a 25% discount, and children under 17 can ride for free on the Logan Express.
Additionally, MassDOT has expanded the parking capacity at the Braintree Logan Express station, providing more available parking spaces for travelers.
To streamline the travel process, MassDOT has implemented a “Skip the Security Line” feature at Logan Airport specifically for water transportation users, ensuring a more efficient and expedited security screening experience.
Furthermore, an extra stop at Logan Airport has been added for the Winthrop Ferry, offering passengers enhanced accessibility and additional transportation options.
Image Credits- Blue Line