About the Project

The Sumner Tunnel (Route 1A South) will be fully closed this summer so crews can perform a variety of upgrades. The restoration project includes two full closures of the tunnel:

  • The first full closure was completed in the summer of 2023.

  • the second full closure will be from July 5 to August 5, 2024.

MassDOT encourages the public to plan ahead and learn more about other travel options. Click here to sign up for weekly project email updates for the latest on travel options and construction progress.

Visit the project website to learn more: www.mass.gov/sumner-tunnel. For any questions or comments, email the MassDOT project team at Sumner100@dot.state.ma.us.

How will this affect travel in the greater Assembly area?

Traffic will increase in our area due to the detours, and MassDOT is encouraging everyone to avoid travel around the Sumner Tunnel if possible. See the detour route through the greater Assembly area below.

 
 

Consider alternative travel options

Assembly Connect offers free services that make sustainable travel more convenient. Sign up for any of our programs on TripConnect.

  • New employees of Assembly can receive a free unlimited MBTA link pass from us for SIX months, and new residents of Assembly can receive a free unlimited MBTA link pass from us for TWO months.

  • If you’re an Assembly employee or resident that lives and works in a Bluebikes service area, you can receive a FREE annual membership through us (normally $129).

    Live or work outside a service area? You can still receive a discounted membership for $73.50.

    Service areas include: Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Chelsea, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Medford, Newton, Revere, Salem, Somerville, and Watertown.

  • Assembly office employees that join a carpool can receive a $75 gas card per month, per group when traveling to work together. Groups can participate for up to three months.

  • If you commute by a sustainable mode (public transit, walking, biking, or carpooling), we’ll cover the cost of an Uber/Lyft ride home in the case of an emergency.

  • When you log your trips to and from Assembly, you can earn points towards free gift cards. Get more points for logging sustainable modes (public transit, walking, biking, and carpooling).

 

MassDOT is also taking measures to encourage alternative travel during this time. Read for information on reduced or free travel options during the tunnel closure. For more details, visit the MassDOT Sumner Tunnel website.

Drivers are encouraged to use 511 to stay updated on real-time travel times.

 

Public Transit / Commuter Rail

  • Travelers will only have to pay Zone 1A fares ($2.40) when riding on the Newburyport/Rockport Line.

    Parking at the Salem and Swampscott stations will be reduced to $2/day. All MBTA lots north of Salem will be free.

  • Parking at the following MBTA stations will be reduced to $2/day:

    Parking at all MBTA stations north of Salem on the Newburyport/Rockport line will be free.

  • The Blue Line will be free during the Sumner Tunnel closure.

    All Blue Line stations that offer parking (Orient Hights, Suffolk Downs, Beachmont, & Wonderland) will be reduced to $2/day.

  • The following bus lines will be free during the Sumner Tunnel Closure: 111, 112, 114, 116, & 117.

    Inbound SL3 trips will also be free during this time.

 

Water Transportation

  • Taking the ferry is one of the best alternative travel options during the Sumner Tunnel closure. During this time, the East Boston Ferry will be completely free.

  • A new Lynn Ferry service will operate between the Blossom St. dock in Lynn to Central Wharf in Boston (near Aquarium).

    Trips will cost Zone 1A fare ($2.40), and the ferry will operate 5 days a week on weekdays only.

  • A new Winthrop Ferry will service to Winthrop, Quincy, Logan Airport, Aquarium and Seaport. The ferry will operate 5 days a week on weekdays only, and trips will cost Zone 1A fares ($2.40).

    Schedules are still being finalized and will be released soon.

  • Travelers can also utilize the existing Seaport and Salem ferries.

 

Travel To & From Logan Airport

  • The Logan Express will be discounted 25% when buying online tickets, and children under 17 ride free.

  • Riders who take water transportation to the airport will be issued a "Ticket to Skip" to the front of the line for checkpoint screening.

  • An extra SL1 bus will be added to the day-time schedule to add more frequency due to increased trip time on the Ted Williams Tunnel. The SL1 is always free for travelers coming from the airport.