BOSTON — Although the Sumner Tunnel has been closed since Wednesday, transportation leaders said the real traffic test won’t come until today, the first business day after the July 4 holiday week.
“Last week was a very light traffic week. It was a holiday week. A lot of people were on vacation and the impacts were pretty minor. We expect that to really pick up over the next few weeks as those holiday travelers come back ,” said Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT senior administrator.
According to MassDOT officials, work inside the tunnel is running smoothly, but delays are about to get worse.
“We encourage everyone to plan ahead, no matter where you’re coming from, especially if you have a critical appointment, give yourself plenty of extra time to get there if you need to catch a flight or go to a doctor’s appointment.” , said Gulliver.
MassPort has advised people to add an extra two hours of driving time to get to Logan Airport during the Sumner Tunnel closure.
The nearly 90-year-old tunnel was the first transit tunnel built in Massachusetts and is among the oldest in the country. MassDOT officials said 40,000 vehicles go through the tunnel each day, and all those drivers will now have to find another route.
Traffic is expected to be diverted evenly between the Tobin Bridge and the Ted Williams Tunnel, so transport leaders are urging people to “drop the drive” and use public transport whenever possible.
To encourage people to do this, they offer free and discounted fares on trains, ferries and buses.
During the closure, all rides on the Blue Line will be free.
Rides from any station on the Newbury/Rockport Commuter Rail Line will be just $2.40.
The MBTA also offers free or reduced ferry service from East Boston, Winthrop, and Lynn, and discounted fares at certain parking lots.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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