Sumner Tunnel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sumner Tunnel
Carries Route 1A South
Crosses Boston Harbor
Locale Logan International Airport to downtown Boston, Massachusetts
Total length 5,653 feet (1,723 m)
Opening date 1934
Toll westbound: $3.50 (non-commercial), $5.25 (commercial)

The Sumner Tunnel is a road tunnel in Boston, Massachusetts. It carries traffic under Boston Harbor in one direction, from Logan International Airport and Route 1A in East Boston. The tunnel originally deposited traffic at the west side of the North End but with the completion of the Big Dig, it was modified to have two exits. One travels under I-93 and emerges on the west side of I93 near Haymarket Subway Station. The other exit routes traffic to I-93 North and Storrow Drive. Traffic headed for I-93 South and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) West is normally routed to the Ted Williams Tunnel. The tunnel's overall length is 1,723 meters.

[edit] History

Map showing the Sumner Tunnel (in red)
Map showing the Sumner Tunnel (in red)
An old shield for the Sumner Tunnel, with the Masspike hat. This shield is no longer used.
An old shield for the Sumner Tunnel, with the Masspike hat. This shield is no longer used.

The Sumner Tunnel was opened in 1934. It carried traffic in both directions until the opening of the parallel Callahan Tunnel in 1961. The Sumner Tunnel is named for William H. Sumner, the son of Governor Increase Sumner.

As of 2008, a toll of $3.50 for non-commercial two-axle vehicles and $5.25 for commercial vehicles (e.g. taxis and Zipcars) is collected in the Boston-bound direction, with a discount of $0.50 for users of the Fast Lane electronic toll collection system. For East Boston residents, a discount is in effect using a Fast Lane transponder, costing $0.40.

[edit] See also