The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has asked communities to share the information below with residents to inform summer travel plans.
The Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project is a $160 million investment in the Commonwealth’s infrastructure. To achieve this work, the Sumner Tunnel will be closed from Friday, July 5, through Monday, August 5, 2024.
The Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project will offer a variety of mitigation options for individuals coming from all travel points. These mitigation options include free trips on the MBTA Blue Line; free and reduced cost water ferry options; reduced Commuter Rail fares for riders; reduced parking costs at MBTA and Commuter Rail parking lots and garages; discounted tolls for residents; and additional options for travelers to and from Logan Airport.
Here are some helpful tools to better plan ahead when traveling during the closure:
1. Mitigation Memo: The Sumner Tunnel Mitigation Memo (PDF) contains helpful information about alternative transportation options during the tunnel closure.
2. Travel Time Dash Board: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/sumner-tunnel-travel-time-dashboard
The dashboard displays the average travel times for each of the seven dedicated detour routes. Travel times are based on the average of the previous 7-days, updated on a weekly basis, and show the previous week by default.
When a typical travel time during an hour is higher compared to other hours, congestion and delays can be expected along the roadway segment. When possible, trips should be planned to avoid these higher travel time periods to avoid congestion and delays.
3. How to 511: 511 is a commute planning tool offered by MassDOT. Using the mobile app or website you will be able to view incidents, closures, construction, weather conditions, EV charging locations, and other factors that may affect you commute. There is also the option of dialing 511 on your phone and using our phone system to request information.
In order to use 511:
- Download the Mass511 App or type www.Mass511.com into your browser.
- At the top of the screen you can type either a location or a route for directions, travel times, and potential delays.
- If you choose to make an account, you can save this route for immediate access next time you access the website.
- Below the search bar will be a map displaying the state of Massachusetts along with pertinent traffic information. In order to toggle this information please use the layer tab on the right of the screen and select the information you would like to see or remove.
- To the left you can find some of our most requested routes, button to immediately populate the map with all incidents, construction, cameras, or Go Time Boards along with Critical information and announcements.
For more information, please go to the Sumner Tunnel Restoration project website.
Please send any comments or questions to: Sumner100@dot.state.ma.us, or call the Sumner Tunnel Project Hot Line: (508) 510-2920.