Editor’s note: In an effort to better serve and inform our readers, Sampan will be publishing regular updates throughout the course of this closing in all print issues (starting with this one) through the end of August. Updates will also be posted online. Our focus will be on the purpose of the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project and progress of the repair. In this issue, we are posting the current alternative means of travel options that will be available during the closure. Please also use MassDOT 511 to help review traffic conditions and MBTA’s Trip Planner to plan your public transit trips.

TRAVEL TO/FROM EAST BOSTON AND NORTH END

MBTA Blue Line and Parking

• The entire Blue Line in both directions will be fare-free to riders. Gates will be open at all Blue Line stations from Wonderland to Bowdoin.
• An additional train will be added to the Blue Line in the midday period to help support more riders riding the line.
• All MBTA parking lots and garages on the Blue Line will be reduced to $2/day. Additional free parking is available near Wood Island Station.
• For paratransit customers, trips within ¾ of a mile of the Blue Line will also be fare-free to riders.
• Visit mbta.com/Sumner for additional information.

Discounted Tolls

• Discounted tolls will be provided for the Tobin Bridge and Ted Williams Tunnel for those registered in the Resident Discount Program.
• Real Time Traffic monitoring will be available at 13 local intersections.

MBTA East Boston Ferry

• The East Boston ferry will be free during the tunnel’s closure.
• The East Boston ferry service operates between East Boston at Lewis Mall and the downtown Boston area at Long Wharf. East Boston ferry service schedules are available online with all ferry service schedules available at mbta.com/ferry.

Seaport Ferry

• Travelers can also use the existing Seaport ferry, which offers service between North Station and the Seaport and East Boston and the Seaport.

TRAVEL TO/FROM THE NORTH SHORE

Commuter Rail and Parking

• Zone 1A ($2.40) fares along the entire Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail line directly into North Station. Parking at Salem and Swampscott is reduced to just $2 per day. Free parking will be available at all MBTA lots north of Salem, including Beverly, Gloucester, Hamilton/Wenham, Newburyport, North Beverly, Monserrat, Rowley, and West Gloucester.
• Blue Line benefits also apply. Travelers are encouraged to consider the Wonderland Station parking lot if coming from the North Shore.

Lynn Ferry

• Beginning Monday June 26, 2023, a new Lynn Ferry will operate five days/week on weekdays only, with 10 trips per day. Schedules are being finalized and will be released as soon as they are available.
• During the Sumner Tunnel shutdown, riders may use a Zone 1A fare ($2.40). The Lynn Ferry will operate between the Blossom St. dock in Lynn to Long Wharf, Gate 4, in Boston (near Aquarium).
• Free parking at the City of Lynn-owned lot will be available near the Blossom St. dock. Bicycles are allowed on the ferry.

Winthrop Ferry

• MBTA will operate Winthrop Ferry service beginning this summer. During the Sumner Tunnel shutdown, riders may use a Zone 1A fare ($2.40).
• The route will provide service to Winthrop, Quincy, Logan Airport, Aquarium and Seaport five days a week. Schedules are being finalized and will be released as soon as they are available.

Salem Ferry

• Travelers can also utilize the existing Salem ferry.

Schedules available here:  htps://www.bostonharborcruises.com/salem-ferry/

TRAVEL TO/FROM LOGAN AIRPORT

Logan Express

• There will be a 25% discount when you buy tickets online, and children under 17 ride free.
• Adding additional parking capacity at Braintree Logan Express.
• Providing passengers who take water transportation to the airport a “Ticket to Skip” to the front of the line for checkpoint screening.
• Added stop at Logan Airport by the Winthrop Ferry.

Silver Line

• An extra bus will be added to the SL1 schedule between 8 AM – 2 PM to add more service frequency due to increased trip time on the Ted Williams Tunnel.
• The SL1 stops at Logan Airport and is always free for commuters traveling from the airport to Boston.

MassDOT also has a working partnership with public safety agencies and Boston EMS to support public safety during the Sumner Tunnel closure. There will be 2 dedicated ambulances for East Boston, 2 rotating ambulances to support the day shift, 2 rotating ambulances to support the evening shift, and 1 rotating ambulance to support the overnight shift.

For additional details on the Sumner Tunnel and the project, please visit mass.gov/sumner-tunnel and sign up for email updates at MassDOT.