Sumner Tunnel Reopens After Month Long Closure. Here’s what changed.
Boston, MA – The Sumner Tunnel reopened to traffic on Monday morning, August 5th, following a month-long closure for extensive renovation work. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced the reopening at 5 a.m., marking the end of a complete shutdown that began on July 5th.
This closure was a crucial phase of a larger $160 million restoration project aimed at improving the tunnel’s infrastructure. Crews worked tirelessly to replace worn-out asphalt, repair concrete, upgrade drainage systems, and enhance fire safety measures.
While the tunnel is now open for daily traffic, drivers should be aware of upcoming weekend closures. The Sumner Tunnel will be closed from 11 p.m. on Fridays to 5 a.m. on Mondays on August 9th, 16th, and 23rd to complete the final stages of the project. MassDOT has confirmed that the entire restoration project is on track to be finished by late November.
The agency has also released data highlighting the scale of the recent closure:
- Cost: $13 million in mitigation costs for FY24 and FY25.
- Concrete: 13,516 square yards rehabilitated.
- Asphalt: 3,122 tons laid down.
- Curbing: 320 linear feet of granite replaced.
- Drainage: 69 new inlets installed.
- Fireproofing: 13,988 square feet of fireboard added.
Once completed, the Sumner Tunnel will be significantly safer, more resilient to climate change, and better equipped to handle the demands of Boston’s traffic.
Image Credits- Summer Tunnel in Boston
