MassDOT authorities provided an update on the Sumner Tunnel shutdown in Boston after its first week.
They said it is expected that Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be the days with the heaviest traffic during the morning and afternoon commutes.
This week people will be getting a more accurate idea of how the project is going to impact their commute for the next eight weeks.
They did not see a high volume of traffic last week when the Sumner Tunnel officially closed last Wednesday due to many people were off celebrating the Fourth of July.
The tunnel, built in the 1930s, is getting a major facelift, including a new ceiling, roadway, walls and better lighting. The tunnel is due to reopen on September first, but weekend closures will continue into the fall, and another two-month shutdown is set for next summer.
Authorities said these shutdowns are expected to make the tunnel last at least 50 more years.
“Last week was an extremely light traffic week. It was the holiday week, a lot of people were on vacation. The impacts were pretty minor. We expect that to really increase over the next few weeks as those holiday travelers come back.” said highway administrator Jonathan Gulliver.
U.S. & World
About 39,000 use the Sumner tunnel every day, which funnels people from Logan airport and East Boston to the North End and downtown.
Most cars are expected to re-route to the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Tobin Bridge, but officials are pushing people to take public transit like the Blue Line, the Commuter Rail and ferries, many of which are either being offered at a reduced price or for free.
If you are traveling out of Boston, Massport is suggesting to allow 2 hours of extra time during the shutdown.
