Just when we thought airport traffic in Boston couldn’t get any worse. The Sumner Tunnel closure begins on July 5 and is expected to last 2 months (aka the entire summer). Officials predict it will add a gobsmacking 2-hours each way when commuting to Logan airport!
Last summer, 36,000 flights took off from Logan Airport each month, making July and August the busiest air travel months of the year for Bostonians. The air travel reportedly increased by 42% from the prior year, which means we can expect about around 52,000 flights to take off this July and August this summer.
And how do all of those people get to Logan? If they’re driving-they’re likely traveling through the Sumner Tunnel. The Massachusetts state highway chief is urging travelers going to Logan to “ditch the drive” noting standstill traffic will extend for miles to and from Logan with the tunnel shutdown in July and August.
Transit authorities urge Bostonians and those headed to Logan to opt for public transit as much as possible. And while the T has been less than reliable, connecting to the silver line that heads to the airport might still be the fastest option.
In a press conference regarding the impending Sumner Tunnel closure, MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver noted:
This is by far the most impactful project we’ve taken on in some time. Drivers coming to the area should expect to experience severe congestion, especially around the connecting roadways to the Sumner Tunnel, and in particular the detour routes that are over the Tobin Bridge and through the Ted Williams Tunnel.
With the July 4 holiday coming up and many people away, Gulliver likely predicts once the city fills back up, around July 10, traffic will be at its worst. And it will stay that way until the project completion on August 31.
Sumner Tunnel Closure Incentives
State highway officials highly encourage the use of public transit when traveling to and from Logan Airport. To accommodate for the inconveniences of this tunnel closure there are a few deals to take advantage of during the 2 months:
- The MBTA Blue Line will be completely free during the project
- Logan Express bus service will run a 25% discount on all tickets to encourage ridesharing
- Airport Ferry passengers will have authority to skip to the front of security at Logan
The Sumner Tunnel closure will run from July 5, 2023 until August 31, 2023