Boston’s Sumner Tunnel Nears Completion

MassDOT has neared completion of a massive project.

Source : MassDOT Sumner Tunnel Emergency View Cameras, Flickr

October 21, 2024

Author : Alex Bustillos and Patty Allen

Boston’s Sumner Tunnel is nearing the finish line on its major rehabilitation project, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). 

For the past two years, the tunnel has faced repeated weekend closures and summer shutdowns, affecting traffic flow into the city. However, officials announced that this past weekend marked the final full closure, as the remaining work will take place during normal off-peak hours.

The project, which began in 2022, is designed to extend the life of the Sumner Tunnel by at least 75 years. Its completion is ahead of schedule, despite the need for 59 weekend closures, two extended summer shutdowns, and a host of other interruptions for local residents and travelers. 

MassDOT had initially planned for five more weekend closures into November, but these have now been canceled, signaling the project’s early completion.

Residents in East Boston, commuters traveling through the city, and passengers heading to Logan International Airport have all been impacted by the construction. While traffic delays were unavoidable, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt acknowledged the patience and cooperation of those affected. 

“We know this project created inconveniences for the public and particularly the people of East Boston. We thank them for their patience and cooperation,” Tibbits-Nutt said in a statement.

The two-year project focused on a comprehensive overhaul of the tunnel’s infrastructure. Among the improvements made were the rehabilitation of 13,516 square yards of concrete roadway, the installation of 4,307 tons of asphalt paving, and the replacement of 420 linear feet of granite curbing. In addition, 69 new drainage inlets were installed to improve water management, ensuring that the tunnel is more resilient to weather and climate changes.

Other upgrades included installing 502 new light fixtures and 165,000 square feet of fireproof wallboard, enhancing the tunnel’s fire safety. The project also involved significant electrical work, with 42,800 linear feet of conductor and 24,000 linear feet of fiber optic cable being installed. The tunnel’s suspended ceiling, which had long posed maintenance challenges, was removed and replaced with over 700 precast concrete arches.

The Sumner Tunnel is one of several crossings under the Charles River and a key route for traffic into Boston. Its rehabilitation is a significant investment in Massachusetts’ infrastructure, ensuring the tunnel will continue to serve drivers for decades to come. The improvements not only enhance the tunnel’s longevity but also increase safety for the thousands of commuters who use it each day.

In response to the increased traffic during the closures, MassDOT implemented various mitigation measures. These included free and reduced fares on public transportation, discounted parking at MBTA and Commuter Rail lots, and reduced tolls for residents impacted by detours through the Ted Williams Tunnel. Travelers to and from Logan Airport were also given options for reduced-cost water ferries.

For residents of East Boston and South Boston, the closures have meant more traffic, noise, and pollution in their neighborhoods. The project, while crucial, was a source of frustration for many. To address these concerns, noise and vibration monitoring were conducted, and additional noise suppression devices were used where necessary. 

MassDOT created an email- Sumner100@dot.state.ma.us- for residents to submit questions or concerns about the project, ensuring open communication with the affected communities.

North End residents and business owners also faced challenges due to the construction. Much of the neighborhood is built into the tunnel’s roof, leading to significant noise and vibration during active construction. MassDOT implemented dust control measures and secured truck covers to minimize debris and disruption during the work.

While the major closures have come to an end, some minor work will continue in the coming weeks. However, these tasks will be completed without requiring additional closures, meaning that traffic can resume its normal flow, and life in affected neighborhoods can start to return to normal. 

Category : Department of Transportation Investment in Infrastructure State Government Public Works Railroads

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