Tunnels Leading To Logan Airport: A Comprehensive Overview

There are three tunnels that connect Logan Airport to Boston: the Ted Williams Tunnel, the Callahan Tunnel, and the Sumner Tunnel. The Ted Williams Tunnel is the only one that carries traffic in both directions, while the Callahan Tunnel ordinarily only carries traffic out of the city, and the Sumner Tunnel carries traffic from the airport to downtown Boston.

The Callahan Tunnel

In 2013, the Callahan Tunnel underwent a major overhaul, with the deck, curbs, and wall panels completely replaced, and the ceiling and vent systems cleaned and repaired. The project was completed in three phases, with the tunnel closed for the first phase from December 27, 2013, to March 12, 2014. During this time, Logan-bound traffic was diverted through the Ted Williams Tunnel, Tobin Bridge, and Massachusetts Route 1A South via Revere or East Boston. The Callahan Tunnel Rehabilitation Project employed accelerated construction techniques, with incentives for early completion and penalties for late completion.

The Ted Williams Tunnel

The tunnel carries the final segment of Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) from South Boston towards its eastern terminus at Route 1A in East Boston. The tunnel is 8,448 feet (2,575 m) long, of which approximately 3,960 feet (1,210 m) are underwater, 90 feet below the surface of Boston Harbour—the deepest such connection in North America. The underwater section of the tunnel used a dozen steel tube sections, each longer than a football field. These were placed into a trench on the Boston Harbour floor and then connected.

The tunnel is tolled in both directions through the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system. Vehicles with a Massachusetts E-ZPass transponder pay $1.75, with higher tolls for vehicles with an out-of-state E-ZPass or without an E-ZPass. Eligible East Boston residents in the E-ZPass discount program pay $0.20 each way. Commercial vehicles pay higher tolls, depending on the number of axles.

The Sumner Tunnel

The tunnel originally carried traffic in both directions, but after the opening of the Callahan Tunnel in 1961, it now carries traffic in one direction only. The tunnel was named for William H. Sumner, the son of Governor Increase Sumner.

The tunnel underwent a period of restoration from spring 2022, which required periodic closures. The tunnel was closed to traffic for a month from 5 July 2024 to 5 August 2024, with further weekend closures from 9 August to 15 November 2024. During these closures, traffic was diverted through the Ted Williams Tunnel or the Callahan Tunnel.

Driving directions to Logan Airport

There are several tunnels that connect Logan Airport to Boston, including the Ted Williams Tunnel, the Sumner Tunnel, and the Callahan Tunnel. The Ted Williams Tunnel is part of the I-90 interstate and is the first major link constructed as part of Boston's Big Dig. The Sumner Tunnel is situated between East Boston and the North End, and the Callahan Tunnel can be accessed from I-93 North.

If you are driving to Logan Airport from the north shore, you can take Highway I-95 south, exit at the Sumner Tunnel Junction, and follow the 1A in a southerly direction, keeping an eye out for signs directing you to the airport. Alternatively, you can take Highway I-93 south and exit at the Sumner Tunnel Junction. From northern Massachusetts, you can also take Route 1 and exit at the Sumner Tunnel Junction.

If you are driving from western Massachusetts, take the Massachusetts Turnpike I-90 east, continue on Highway I-93 north, and exit at Junction 24, following signs to the Callahan Tunnel and Logan Airport. From the south shore or Cape Cod, travel along Route 3 north and exit at Junction 24, following signs to the Callahan Tunnel and the airport.

For those driving from the south or west of Boston, take Highway I-93, exit at Junction 21, turn right onto Northern Avenue, then turn right onto D Street. Take the second left through the tunnel and continue following signs to the airport.

Driving directions from Logan Airport

Logan International Airport is located at 1 Harborside Drive in Boston, Massachusetts. There are three tunnels that connect Logan Airport to downtown Boston: the Sumner Tunnel, the Callahan Tunnel, and the Ted Williams Tunnel.

When driving from Logan Airport, you can take either the Sumner Tunnel, the Callahan Tunnel, or the Ted Williams Tunnel to reach downtown Boston. Here are detailed driving directions from the airport to downtown Boston via each of these tunnels:

Sumner Tunnel Route:

• Follow signs for Route 1A North to Bell Circle Rotary.
• From Bell Circle Rotary, follow signs to Route 16 and then to Route 1 South.
• Proceed over the Tobin Bridge and follow the signs for Rutherford Avenue.
• Continue driving through Sullivan Square until you reach I-93 North.

Callahan Tunnel Route:

• From Logan Airport, get on Route 1A North.
• Follow Route 1A North until you reach the Callahan Tunnel.
• Take the Callahan Tunnel to the North End of Boston.

Ted Williams Tunnel Route:

• From Logan Airport, get on I-90 East.
• Take the Ted Williams Tunnel, which will lead you to I-93.
• Continue on I-93 to reach downtown Boston.

It's important to note that the Sumner Tunnel is currently undergoing renovations, so you may encounter closures or detours when attempting to use this route. Always check for real-time traffic updates and road closures before starting your journey.

Frequently asked questions