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Sumner Tunnel Restoration: Project details and closure schedule

The Sumner Tunnel is undergoing a restoration that began in the spring of 2022. This work requires the tunnel to be closed to traffic periodically. Learn about the current project details and the closure schedule here.
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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.

map of Sumner Tunnel
Map of Boston displaying closure of Sumner Tunnel, with eastbound traffic continuing through Callahan Tunnel.

Schedule of Closures

Spring 2022 to Summer 2023: Weekend closures

The Sumner Tunnel is currently closed during most weekends from Spring 2022 to Summer 2023 with exceptions for weekends that historically experience higher traffic volumes. During these closures, traffic will be diverted through signed detour routes.

Closed The Sumner Tunnel is closed the following weekends. Weekend closures are from Friday night at 11 p.m. to Monday morning at 5 a.m.
  • Weekend of March 31, 2023
  • Weekend of April 7, 2023
  • Weekend of April 21, 2023
  • Weekend of April 28, 2023
  • Weekend of May 5, 2023
  • Weekend of May 19, 2023
  • Weekend of June 2, 2023
  • Weekend of June 9, 2023
  • Weekend of June 16, 2023
  • Weekend of June 23, 2023
Open The Sumner Tunnel is open the following weekends
  • Weekend of April 14, 2023 – Patriots Day holiday
  • Weekend of May 12, 2023 – Mother's Day
  • Weekend of May 26, 2023 – Memorial Day
  • Weekend of July 4, 2023
Full closure: July 2023 to August 2023

The Sumner Tunnel will be closed seven days a week from July 5th 2023 to August 31st 2023. During this time, traffic will be diverted through signed detour routes.

Fall 2023 to Winter 2023: Weekend closures

The Sumner Tunnel will be closed on weekends from Fall 2023 to Winter 2023. During this time, traffic will be diverted through signed detour routes.

Closed The Sumner Tunnel is closed the following weekends. Weekend closures are from Friday night at 11 p.m. to Monday morning at 5 a.m.
  • Weekend of September 8, 2023
  • Weekend of September 15, 2023
  • Weekend of September 22, 2023
  • Weekend of September 29, 2023
  • Weekend of October 13, 2023
  • Weekend of October 20, 2023
  • Weekend of October 27, 2023
  • Weekend of November 3, 2023
  • Weekend of November 10, 2023
Open The Sumner Tunnel is open the following weekends
  • Weekend of September 1, 2023 – Labor Day
  • Weekend of October 9, 2023 – Columbus Day
  • Weekend of November 17, 2023 – Pre-Thanksgiving
  • Weekend of November 24, 2023 - Thanksgiving
Summer 2024: Full Closure

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

Sumner Tunnel full closure schedule changing to reduce impact on travelers this summer (English, PDF 193.24 KB)

How will my neighborhood be 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 will bear the brunt of the tunnel shutdown and construction. Aside from the effects on travelers and commuters, we understand that East Boston residents will see more traffic, noise, and pollution in their communities. And since much of the North End is built into the tunnel roof, construction will bring 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 will 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 will be 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 will experience noise and vibration during active construction.

Here is our plan to help mitigate some of these effects:

  • Noise and vibration monitoring will be required to track compliance within allowable limits. Noise suppression devices, enclosures, and barriers will also be 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

Sign up for project updates.

Construction hotline (508) 510-2920

Project fact sheets

The Fact Sheets below do not reflect the updated construction schedule.

Additional Resources

Sumner Tunnel Centennial Project Fact Sheet (English) (English, PDF 277.36 KB)

Contact

Phone

Project hotline (508) 510-2920

Online

Contact the project team Sumner100@dot.state.ma.us
Sign up for project updates 

Address

10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
Directions 

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