Boston Construction Expected to Cause Chaos for Logan and a Boon for RI’s Airport

Boston Construction Expected to Cause Chaos for Logan and a Boon for RI’s Airport

This summer, Massachusetts transportation officials are closing the Sumner Tunnel — one of Boston’s major main thoroughfares and the major travel route to Logan Airport.

State officials are warning that traffic will be a nightmare.

"It cannot be understated," Massachusetts Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver told WBUR, adding the tunnel closure and spillover traffic will make it "very, very difficult" for those living in or regularly traveling through the area.

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The detours are complex and difficult for the skilled.

The traffic delays and confusion in getting to Logan should be a boon to RI International Airport, which has exploded with the addition of new direct flights — much of it due to the addition and growth of Breeze Airways.

 

SEE THE DIRECT FLIGHTS BY BREEZE FROM RI INTERNATIONAL BELOW

 

 

“Add Two Additional Hours”

Transportation officials are now urging those going to traveling out of Logan to add an additional two hours. Thus, those leaving on a domestic flight should leave four hours before their flight and international travelers should plan on five hours.

This travel confusion and delay will last this summer and fall, and there are two months of construction scheduled for 2024.

The Sumner Tunnel is closed 24/7 from July 5 through the end of August, in the first of two big shutdowns for much-needed restoration work on the 88-year-old harbor tunnel. (There is another two-month closure scheduled for summer 2024.)

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.

 

More Trouble Coming - Green Line Issues

The closure of the Green Line Extension has been postponed due to the closure of the Sumner Tunnel this summer.

This will further add to travel woes.

A spokesperson for Governor Maura Healey said construction on the Squire Bridge has been postponed until September 2023. In the meantime, the Green Line Extension between Union Square and Lechmere will remain open.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation crews inspected Squire Bridge and determined it would be safe to delay repairs until September.

"The administration is grateful for the feedback we received from local officials and community members and will maintain close communication as we work to reschedule the Squire Bridge construction," the governor's spokesperson said in a statement.