June 9, 2023 |City of Lynn, Healey-Driscoll Administration, MBTA, News, Resources, State of MA, Transportation

Lynn Delegation and Healey-Driscoll Administration Announce Sumner Tunnel Mitigation Plan

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The Lynn delegation and the Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a comprehensive mitigation plan to address travel impacts and provide cost-effective alternative transportation options for residents and visitors ahead of the scheduled closure of the Sumner Tunnel from Wednesday, July 5, through Thursday, August 31, 2023. The tunnel will be fully closed for approximately two months to facilitate work on the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project.

The Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project will offer a variety of mitigation options for individuals coming from all travel points, including free trips on the MBTA Blue Line for the during the tunnel’s closure; 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.

In addition to providing the East Boston Ferry as a free transit option, the MBTA has added a new ferry service between Lynn and Central Wharf in Boston to provide an additional transit option during the Sumner Tunnel closure.

“After many months of collaboration with Lynn officials and the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are proud to announce meaningful mitigation to help alleviate traffic congestion during the summer-long closure of the Sumner Tunnel,” said the Lynn legislative delegation, which includes Senator Brendan Crighton and Representatives Dan Cahill, Pete Capano, Jenny Armini and Donald Wong. “Commuters will have various public transit options, including free Blue Line service, reduced Commuter Rail fares, and the return of commuter ferry service to the North Shore. While the tunnel closure will be challenging, these robust service improvements will help take cars off the road and get people to where they need to go at a price they can afford.” 

“I appreciate the efforts of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, our state delegation, federal partners, and our EDIC to bring water transit to Lynn, offering critical mitigation for our residents and region and supporting our long-term vision for growth on the waterfront,” said Mayor Jared Nicholson. 

“The Ferry terminal in Lynn will take North Shore residents to Boston in a quick thirty-five minutes. We are excited to offer commuters an option in getting in and out of Boston and are thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support.” 

Jim Cowdell, Executive Director of EDIC

“Since launching the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project last year, we have been working closely with our partners to identify any and all mitigation measures we can put in place,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Our message to residents and those traveling is when moving through this area, if possible, leave your car at home and explore the MBTA’s transit options, including the Blue Line, Commuter Rail, and ferry service options available to you.”

“I’m pleased that together with MassDOT, the MBTA is able to offer free Blue Line service to those impacted by the Sumner Tunnel closure this summer,” said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “The MBTA has been working hard to reduce travel times on the Blue Line in anticipation of this project. We have the capacity needed on the Blue Line to serve our existing and new customers on this line, and I encourage those who can to take advantage of this free service in July and August.”

Additional details on mitigation options are below:

TRAVEL TO/FROM THE NORTH SHORE

Commuter Rail and Parking

• Zone 1A ($2.40) fares from Salem and Swampscot Commuter Rail. Parking at Salem and Swampscot is just $2 per day.
• Free parking at lots north of Salem, including Beverly, Gloucester, Hamilton/Wenham, Newburyport, North Beverly, Monserrat, Rowley, and West Gloucester.
• Blue Line benefits also apply. Travelers are encouraged to utilize the Wonderland Station parking lot if coming from the North Shore.

Lynn Ferry

• The Lynn Ferry will operate between the Blossom St. dock in Lynn to Central Wharf in Boston (near Aquarium).
• Free parking at the City of Lynn-owned lot will be available near the Blossom St. dock. Bicycles are allowed on the ferry.
• Riders may use a Zone 1A fare ($2.40).
• The Lynn Ferry will operate five days/week on weekdays only, with 10 trips per day. Schedules are being finalized and will be released as soon as they’re available.

The above press release was submitted to us by State Senator Crighton’s office.