After a month of construction, the Sumner Tunnel in Boston has reopened to traffic. The tunnel was closed for restoration work from July 5th to August 5th as part of a larger $160 million project aimed at improving safety and climate resilience. During the shutdown, the roadway was rehabilitated, curbing and drainage systems were repaired, new fire safety measures were installed, and the entire roadway was repaved.
However, there are still a few more shutdowns planned before the project is fully completed in late November. The tunnel will be closed on the weekends of August 9, 16, and 23, from Friday at 11 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.
Some key numbers from the recent shutdown include the rehabilitation of 13,516 square yards of concrete roadway, laying down 3,122 tons of asphalt paving, replacing 320 linear feet of granite curbing, installing 69 new drainage inlets, and putting in 13,988 square feet of fireboard. Mitigation costs for FY24 and FY25 also totaled $13 million.
Overall, the reopening of the Sumner Tunnel marks a significant milestone in the ongoing restoration project that aims to enhance safety and durability for commuters in Boston. Despite the temporary inconveniences caused by the closures, the long-term benefits of a revamped and resilient infrastructure will ultimately benefit the community.
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Photo credit www.boston.com