Sumner Tunnel facts for kids
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| Exit from the tunnel in Downtown Boston | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Status | Open |
| Route |  Route 1A south |
| Start | East Boston |
| End | Downtown Boston |
| Operation | |
| Owner | Commonwealth of Massachusetts |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Transportation |
| Traffic | Automotive |
| Toll | Between $0.20 and $2.05 depending on payment method and residency |
| Technical | |
| Construction | March 30, 1931 – June 30, 1934 |
| Length | 1.079 mi (1.736 km) |
| Number of lanes | 2 |
| Operating speed | 40 mph (64 km/h) |
| Tunnel clearance | 12.6 ft (3.8 m) |
| Width | 22.2 ft (6.8 m) |
The Sumner Tunnel is a special road tunnel in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It helps cars travel under Boston Harbor. The tunnel carries traffic in one direction, from Logan International Airport and Route 1A in East Boston.
When it first opened, the tunnel led cars to the North End. Later, after a huge construction project called the Big Dig, the tunnel got two exits. One exit connects to I-93 and downtown Boston. The other exit leads to Storrow Drive and Cambridge. Cars going the other way, towards I-93 South, usually use the Ted Williams Tunnel. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation manages the Sumner Tunnel.
Contents
Tunnel History
When Did the Tunnel Open?
The Sumner Tunnel first opened on June 30, 1934. For many years, cars traveled in both directions through this single tunnel. This changed when the Callahan Tunnel opened in 1961. The Callahan Tunnel runs right next to the Sumner Tunnel.
Who Was William H. Sumner?
The tunnel is named after William H. Sumner. He was the son of a former governor of Massachusetts, Increase Sumner.
Who Manages the Tunnel?
Until 2009, the tunnel was managed by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. After that, it was taken over by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. This department still manages the tunnel today.
Paying to Use the Tunnel
The Sumner Tunnel is a toll tunnel, which means you have to pay to use it. As of 2016, the cost for a regular car with a Massachusetts E-ZPass was $1.50. If you had an E-ZPass from another state, it cost $1.75. If you didn't have an E-ZPass, you paid $2.05 using a system called Pay by Plate MA.
There's a special discount for people living in certain Boston areas. With an E-ZPass, they only pay $0.20. In 2016, new systems were put in place to collect tolls without cash. This made paying faster and easier for drivers.
Tunnel Upgrades and Closures
The Sumner Tunnel has been getting important updates and repairs. Because of this, it has been closed sometimes from summer 2022 through summer 2024. There will be a full closure from July 5 to August 5, 2024. It will also close on weekends from August 9 to November 15, except for two specific weekends. These closures help make sure the tunnel is safe and modern for everyone.
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This map shows the Sumner Tunnel in red.
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An old sign for the Sumner Tunnel. This type of sign is not used anymore.
