The Route To Logan: Navigating The Airport's Tunnel Network

The Sumner Tunnel, which runs one-way from East Boston to downtown Boston, is one of the tunnels that provides access to Logan International Airport. The Callahan Tunnel, which runs eastbound and parallel to the Sumner Tunnel, also connects to the airport. Traffic flowing between Logan International Airport and directions south of the city on I-93 and west of the city on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) normally uses the Ted Williams Tunnel.

The Sumner Tunnel is closed for rehabilitation

The Sumner Tunnel, which takes drivers from Logan Airport to I-93/ Boston and points north, is closed for rehabilitation. The tunnel, which is situated between East Boston and the North End, is undergoing a restoration that began in the spring of 2022. This work requires the tunnel to be closed to traffic periodically.

The rehabilitation project includes work on the tunnel ceiling, roadway, walls, wiring, drainage, and additional improvements that will increase safety and climate resiliency. The project is a major investment in the state's transportation infrastructure and is expected to extend the tunnel's useful life by at least 75 years.

During the rehabilitation, motorists headed for I-93 northbound will be redirected to Revere and then Chelsea to access the interstate via the Tobin Bridge. Those traveling downtown from Logan Airport or other parts of East Boston will be diverted to the Ted Williams Tunnel, while those headed for I-93 southbound will be able to use the Lieutenant William F. Callahan Jr. Tunnel (colloquially known as the Callahan Tunnel).

The Sumner Tunnel rehabilitation project is expected to cause major traffic disruptions and is advised to add two extra hours of travel time to and from Logan Airport. MassDOT encourages travelers to use public transportation whenever possible during this time.

The project is now in its final stages, with the major construction complete as of October 7, 2024. The remaining work will be finished under normal off-peak operations, with no more weekend closures required. The rehabilitation project has included 59 weekend closures, two extended summertime closures, and various improvements to the tunnel's infrastructure.

The Callahan Tunnel is open during the Sumner Tunnel's closure

The Callahan Tunnel is open during the Sumner Tunnels closure, which is good news for travellers to and from Logan Airport. The Sumner Tunnel, which is the main route from East Boston across the harbour to I-93 North, Storrow Drive, and downtown Boston, is undergoing a year-plus rehabilitation project. The tunnel is in a state of disrepair, with exposed rebar, chipped concrete, broken lights, and a deteriorating road surface. As such, it is closed for 36 weekends and then a four-month continuous stretch, which will cause major traffic disruptions.

The Callahan Tunnel, which ordinarily carries traffic out of the city, will remain open during the Sumner Tunnel's closure. This tunnel is one of four tunnels beneath Boston Harbour, and it takes vehicles from the North End to Logan International Airport and Route 1A in East Boston. Usually, traffic flowing between Logan Airport and destinations south or west of the city uses the Ted Williams Tunnel rather than the Callahan Tunnel. However, during the Sumner Tunnel's closure, the Callahan Tunnel will be an important alternative route for travellers to and from Logan Airport.

During the rehabilitation project, motorists will be redirected to the Ted Williams Tunnel, Tobin Bridge, or Massachusetts Route 1A South via Revere or East Boston. These detours are expected to be congested, so travellers are encouraged to use public transportation to and from Boston Logan whenever possible. The MBTA offers economical and environmentally friendly options, and Massport provides a free shuttle bus service between the airport terminals and transit connections.

The Sumner Tunnel restoration project is necessary to address structural and safety issues and is expected to extend the life of the tunnel by another 50 years. The work includes repairing the tunnel's ceilings and driving deck, as well as updating ventilation, drainage, security, and fire suppression systems to modern code standards.

The Ted Williams Tunnel is the suggested detour from Logan Airport to downtown Boston

The Ted Williams Tunnel is the suggested detour route from Logan Airport to downtown Boston when the Sumner Tunnel is closed. The Sumner Tunnel is undergoing a two-year restoration project, which began in June 2022, and is expected to last until at least the end of 2023. The tunnel is closed every weekend for 36 weeks, then for four months continuously, and then for another series of weekends. This means that thousands of motorists who usually use the tunnel will be rerouted to the Ted Williams Tunnel.

The Sumner Tunnel is in a state of "disrepair", with issues such as exposed rebar, chipped concrete, broken lights, cracked walls, and a deteriorating road surface. The ventilation, drainage, security, and fire suppression systems also need to be updated to modern code standards. The restoration project will address these issues and implement a state-of-the-art, good connection through downtown with better lighting and improved radio, mobile phone, and GPS signals.

The Ted Williams Tunnel is usually used by traffic flowing between Logan Airport and destinations south or west of Boston. It is one of four tunnels, and one of three road tunnels, beneath Boston Harbor. It is a bidirectional tunnel, unlike the Sumner Tunnel, which only carries traffic from East Boston to downtown. The Ted Williams Tunnel is expected to experience increased pressure during the Sumner Tunnel's closure, and tow trucks will be stationed nearby to ensure quick clearance of any crashes that may slow traffic.

The Tobin Bridge is an alternative route to I-93 northbound

When the Sumner Tunnel, which provides a direct route to Logan Airport, is closed for maintenance or rehabilitation, motorists are directed to use alternative routes to reach I-93 northbound. One such option is to take Route 1A north to Revere's Bell Circle Rotary and then proceed through Chelsea to access the Tobin Bridge. This detour ensures that travellers can still reach the interstate despite the tunnel's temporary closure.

The Tobin Bridge has a rich history, having been constructed between 1948 and 1950. It replaced the former Chelsea Bridge, which initially served as the primary connection across the Mystic River. Over the years, the Tobin Bridge has undergone several renovations and repairs to maintain its structural integrity.

The bridge is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and carries U.S. Route 1. It is an essential link in the region's transportation network, providing a vital connection between Boston and the surrounding areas. The Tobin Bridge is also known for its unique design, featuring a cantilever truss structure with a total length of 1,525 feet.

In summary, the Tobin Bridge serves as a vital alternative route to I-93 northbound, especially when the Sumner Tunnel is closed. Motorists rely on this bridge to efficiently navigate through the area, and its presence helps alleviate congestion and provides a reliable connection to the interstate system.

Massport offers travel tips for those travelling to Logan Airport during the Sumner Tunnel's closure

The Sumner Tunnel, which connects East Boston and Logan Airport to downtown Boston, is closed for rehabilitation. The tunnel, which is situated between East Boston and the North End, is usually the route that drivers take to get from Logan Airport to I-93 in Boston and points north.

During the closure, traffic will be diverted through other signed detour routes. If you are travelling to Logan Airport or East Boston, you can continue to use the Callahan Tunnel or the Ted Williams Tunnel. However, you should add additional travel time to your trip in case of congestion and expect delays if you are travelling from the airport.

Massport travel tips for those travelling to Logan Airport during the Sumner Tunnels closure:

• MassDOT encourages those travelling to or from Logan Airport to leave their cars at home and explore alternative transportation options.
• The Blue Line or Silver Line, the Logan Express, the Logan Water Taxi, or the Hingham/Hull Ferry are all options for getting to and from the airport.
• If you are driving to Logan Airport, be aware of ongoing traffic impacts during the Sumner Tunnel closures.
• Massport periodically closes the ramp connecting the airport to the Ted Williams Tunnel to reduce backup on the mainline of I-90.
• Vehicles travelling on Route 1A/I-90 westbound towards the Ted Williams Tunnel may experience one less through lane on I-90 westbound.
• On Saturdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., one lane is converted to a merge lane to help vehicles leaving Logan Airport join the I-90 mainline.
• When possible, it is highly encouraged to utilise public transit options.
• Drivers from East Boston seeking to reach downtown Boston will be rerouted to I-90/Ted Williams Tunnel via Bennington Street and onto I-93.
• Drivers leaving Logan Airport seeking to reach downtown Boston will be rerouted to I-90/Ted Williams Tunnel and onto I-93.
• Drivers leaving Logan Airport seeking to reach I-93 North should follow signs for Route 1A North to Bell Circle Rotary, then follow signs to Route 16 to Route 1 south, proceed over Route 1/Tobin Bridge, and follow signs to Rutherford Avenue. Finally, continue through Sullivan Square and onto I-93 North.

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