Here we go again.
The Sumner Tunnel is shut down for repairs through Aug. 5, an aterial blockage in the heart of Boston sure to raise the blood pressure of commuters far beyond city limits.
The good news is, the nearly 90-year-old Sumner will only be closed for a month this summer. (Last year, you’ll recall, repairs kept it shuttered for two.) But the abbreviated schedule will be of little comfort to agitated drivers seeking passage to Downtown Boston from Logan Airport, East Boston, and many other points north.
By far the best advice is skip the driving altogether and take public transporation. For all the MBTA’s challenges, a trip on the Blue Line promises to be faster, more pleasant, and during the Sumner shutdown, it’s free in both directions. So is the East Boston Ferry. Plenty more information and options are available on the MBTA website.
Still, for those who must drive, we’ve collected maps of all the best alternative driving routes to navigate in and around Boston during the tunnel shutdown. Whether you need to get from East Boston to downtown, from Logan Airport to I-93 North, or plenty of places in between, there’s a way to get there by car. And good luck.
Where is the Sumner Tunnel?
In coordination with local agencies and emergency services, the following detours were determined as the most efficient options to divert traffic away from the Sumner Tunnel while it is closed. When possible, it is highly encouraged to utilize public transit options.
East Boston to downtown Boston
Drivers from East Boston seeking to reach the Downtown Boston area will be rerouted to I-90/Ted Williams Tunnel via Bennington Street and onto I-93.
Logan Airport to downtown Boston
Drivers leaving Logan Airport seeking to reach the Downtown Boston area will be rerouted to I-90/Ted Williams Tunnel and onto I-93.
Logan Airport to I-93 North
Drivers leaving Logan Airport seeking to reach I-93 North should:
• Follow signs for Route 1A North to Bell Circle Rotary.
• Follow signs to Route 16 to Route 1 south.
• Proceed over Route 1/Tobin Bridge and follow signs to Rutherford Avenue.
•Continue through Sullivan Square and onto I-93 North.
Revere to downtown Boston
Drivers traveling along Route 1 south towards Downtown Boston are encouraged to divert to Route 1A in Revere at the Bell Circle Rotary. Once on Route 1A, drivers will be rerouted to I-90/Ted Williams Tunnel and onto I-93.
East Boston traffic diversion
When the Route 145 (Bennington Street) exit is closed, follow the local East Boston detour. Message boards and signs near the entrance of the Ted Williams Tunnel will guide residents through the route.
Hayley Kaufman can be reached at hayley.kaufman@globe.com. Follow her @GlobeHayleyK.
