Where is the Sumner Tunnel?
The Sumner Tunnel/Route 1A South, situated between East Boston and the North End, takes drivers from Logan Airport to I-93/ Boston and points north.
Schedule of Closures
Periodic weekend closures of the Sumner Tunnel resume from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024. During this time, the tunnel will close on Fridays at 11:00 p.m. and re-open to traffic on Mondays at 5:00 a.m. Traffic will be diverted through signed detour routes. Through the end of 2023, the tunnel will be closed the following weekends:
- Weekend of September 22
- Weekend of September 29
- Weekend of October 20
- Weekend of October 27
- Weekend of November 3
- Weekend of November 10
The Sumner Tunnel will be closed seven days a week in the summer of 2024 from July to August. During this time, traffic will be diverted through other signed detour routes.
Additional Resources
How is my neighborhood affected?
Learn more about neighborhood impacts and disruptions along with our plans to reduce the effects on you.
What to expect
The Sumner Tunnel benefits everyone, but we understand that some communities bear the brunt of the tunnel shutdown and construction. Aside from the effects on travelers and commuters, we understand that East Boston residents see more traffic, noise, and pollution in their communities. Since much of the North End is built into the tunnel roof, construction brings unpleasant noise and vibrations to this neighborhood.
We are committed to finding ways to lower these effects and reduce impact across the board.
East Boston, South Boston, and waterfront residents and business owners
We understand that East Boston, South Boston, and waterfront residents and business owners see more traffic in their neighborhoods as drivers detour through the Ted Williams Tunnel.
Here is our plan to help lower some of these effects:
- The detour is clearly marked on signs throughout the route.
- An email address has been created to allow the public to submit questions, comments, and concerns. Please reach out to us at Sumner100@dot.state.ma.us.
North End residents and business owners
North End residents and business owners are experiencing noise and vibration during active construction.
Here is our plan to help mitigate some of these effects:
- Noise and vibration monitoring is required to track compliance within allowable limits. Noise suppression devices, enclosures, and barriers are also used as necessary.
- The construction team is required to use dust control measures during construction, including the use of wetting agents, secure covers for trucks, and minimizing storage of debris onsite.
- An email address has been created to allow the public to submit questions, comments, and concerns. Please reach out to us at Sumner100@dot.state.ma.us.
Stay informed
Sign up for project updates, email alerts, and the latest information on the Sumner Tunnel project so that you can stay up to date as the project unfolds.
Project email address: Sumner100@dot.state.ma.us
Construction hotline (508) 510-2920