The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has 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 Friday, July 5, through Monday, August 5, 2024. The tunnel will be fully closed for approximately one month to facilitate work on the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project.
Travelers are encouraged to once again Ditch the Drive and use alternative means of travel. MassDOT has created a menu of safe, efficient commute options while the tunnel is closed for repairs. Additional details on travel options are below:
TRAVEL TO/FROM EAST BOSTON AND NORTH END
MBTA Blue Line and Parking
- The entire Blue Line in both directions will be free to riders. Gates will be open at all Blue Line stations from Wonderland to Bowdoin.
- The MBTA completed significant track work this spring and removed all the Blue Line’s speed restrictions, providing for faster and more frequent service.
- An additional train will be added to the Blue Line in the midday period to help support more riders riding the line.
- All MBTA parking lots and garages on the Blue Line will be reduced to $2/day. Additional free parking is available near Wood Island Station.
- Visit mbta.com/Sumner for additional information.
Fare-free service for customers boarding key Chelsea bus routes
- Routes 111, 112, 114, 116, 117 and Silver Line 3.
Discounted Tolls
- Discounted tolls will be provided for the Tobin Bridge and Ted Williams Tunnel for those registered in the Resident Discount Program.
- Real Time Traffic monitoring will be available at 13 local intersections.
East Boston Ferry
- The East Boston ferry will be free during the tunnel’s closure.
- The East Boston ferry service project operates between East Boston at Lewis Mall and Long Wharf – North. East Boston ferry service schedules are available online with all ferry service schedules available at mbta.com/ferry.
TRAVEL TO/FROM THE NORTH SHORE
Commuter Rail and Parking
- Zone 1A ($2.40) fares along the entire Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line. Parking at Salem and Swampscott 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. pier in Lynn and Long Wharf – North in Boston.
- Free parking at the City of Lynn-owned lot will be available near the Blossom St. pier. Bicycles are allowed on the ferry.
- Riders may use a Zone 1A fare ($2.40).
- The Lynn Ferry will operate seven days/week.
Winthrop Ferry
- MBTA will operate Winthrop Ferry service/$2.40 one-way trip.
- Service to Winthrop, Quincy, Logan Airport, Aquarium and Seaport.
TRAVEL TO/FROM LOGAN AIRPORT
Logan Express
- There will be a 25% discount when you buy tickets online, and children under 17 ride free.
- Adding additional parking capacity at Braintree Logan Express.
- MBTA Silver Line (SL1 & SL3) buses can use the I-90 EB Emergency Ramp.
- Providing passengers who take water transportation to the airport a “Ticket to Skip” to the front of the line for checkpoint screening.
- Added stop at Logan Airport by the Winthrop Ferry.
On the RIDE, trips that begin and end within ¾ of a mile of the MBTA modes that are free will also be free from July 5 to August 5.
MassDOT also has a working partnership with public safety agencies and Boston EMS to support public safety during the Sumner Tunnel closure. There will be 2 dedicated ambulances for East Boston, 2 rotating ambulances to support the day shift, 2 rotating ambulances to support the evening shift, and 1 rotating ambulance to support the overnight shift.
For additional details on the Sumner Tunnel and the project, please visit mass.gov/sumner-tunnel and sign up for email updates at MassDOT.
The above press release is courtesy of MassDOT.
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