Title: Sumner Tunnel Closure Creates Frustrations for Boston Airport Travelers
Date: July 7, 2022
Boston – Returning travelers from the 4th of July holiday faced unexpected frustrations at Logan Airport’s ride share pick-up line. While finding an Uber or Lyft ride was relatively quick, it was the subsequent traffic congestion within the city that caused significant delays. The root of the problem lies in the closure of the Sumner Tunnel for crucial repairs.
Victoria Izsa, one of the passengers, expressed her relief when her Uber arrived within minutes. However, it was the stop-and-go traffic that awaited her journey into Boston that proved to be the major annoyance. Transportation officials had previously issued warnings about this impending inconvenience resulting from the tunnel closure.
Uber driver Kassandra Hernandez shared her frustrations, stating that she actively avoids accepting rides from the airport due to the excessive time wasted in traffic congestion. The issue has become a massive headache for drivers and commuters alike since the tunnel closure took effect early Wednesday morning and is expected to persist until the end of August.
Hernandez emphasized the exasperation of dedicating three to four hours to pick up just one or two passengers from East Boston, primarily due to the bottleneck at the Ted Williams Tunnel. She further added that the situation worsens on weekends, increasing the complexity of the traffic woes.
Even at this early stage, the commute along the Ted Williams Tunnel has seen significant delays. A journey that usually takes five minutes through the tunnel took more than 20 minutes to cover a distance of less than two miles on the day after the long holiday weekend. The true test awaits next week when vacationers return to work after the holiday, potentially exacerbating the congestion further.
Despite the ongoing traffic woes, travelers can find solace in a minor convenience. The Blue Line, a subway line serving East Boston, will offer free rides to passengers until the end of August, alleviating some of the transportation burdens.
As the summer progresses, Bostonians and visitors are advised to plan ahead and explore alternative transportation options to mitigate the impact of the Sumner Tunnel closure.