The driver of an 18-wheeler got wedged but good in the Sumner Tunnel around 1 p.m. today, causing all sorts of delays and bringing all the news copters to video the blockage they couldn't see, because it was in a tunnel. It's the second time in a week or so that that's happened.
MassDOT reported at the tail end of the morning commute that one driver learned the hard way his rig was too big for the Sumner Tunnel, wedging it in firmly enough to warrant an alert that the tunnel's left lane was shut for awhile.
Kasey Componeschi Thaw shows us the view out the rear window of a stuck truck in the Sumner Tunnel around 7 p.m.; reports the truck somehow turned into just enough of a bounce house to hit the roof of the tunnel.
Engineering News-Record takes a spin through the Sumner Tunnel project, now running 24 hours a day and including 783 pre-cast arches, weighing six tons apiece and brought down into the tunnel one at a time.
The city hasn't forgotten to pick up leaves and other yard waste of late, it's shifted collection from alternate trash days to every Saturday in July and August, due to traffic issues caused by the two-month shutdown of the Sumner Tunnel for repairs.
The city, which composts much of the yard waste at a city yard on American Legion Highway, says the regular schedule will return in September.
Your money's no good on the Blue Line, at least through Aug. 31.
With the Sumner Tunnel now shut for the next two months, the Blue Line is now free, as Donna shows us at Orient Heights. Kind of makes you wonder if freeing the T might be a way for the state to reduce congestion and carbon emissions on Boston-area roads, although that would probably require a fully functional T system.
Tina StGelais Kelly posted some photos from the scene at the State Street Blue Line stop at 5:10 p.m., which make her doubt the Blue Line can possibly handle any of those motorists the state is urging to take the Blue Line when the Sumner shuts on July 5 for repairs: Read more.
MassDOT announced today that it's replacing its plans to shut the Sumner Tunnel between May and September this year with plans to shut it between July 5 and Aug. 31, as it works to renovate the 88-year-old tunnel. Read more.
The normal weekend shutdown of the Sumner Tunnel for repairs has been called off for this weekend because of the extreme cold.
MassDOT says people living and working near the entrance to the Sumner Tunnel in East Boston can expect "vibration and noise" this weekend as workers demolish the current tunnel ceiling as part of the ongoing tunnel repair project.
WCVB reports the Sumner Tunnel was shut around 4:20 p.m. after the Canadian driver of an 18-wheeler learned too late his truck was too big to get through the tunnel.
Video from inside of the tunnel showed some ride share passengers walking, in some cases with luggage, out of the tunnel.
Labor Day and all that, MassDOT announced this morning.
The regular weekend shutdowns resume next weekend, they report.
MassDOT announced this afternoon that planned construction work in the Sumner Tunnel this weekend has been called off "to minimize any additional travel impacts created by the suspension of regular MBTA Orange and Green Line service in the area of Haymarket Station. "
Don't worry, MassDOT says: "While the Sumner Tunnel is in need of repairs, it remains safe for traffic to use."
MassDOT reports it's keeping the Sumner Tunnel open this weekend for Juneteenth traffic, rather than shutting it for repairs.
Time to check out the Ted.
WBZ reports on East Boston businesses that will be hit hard by the weekend closures, which will start at 11 p.m. on Fridays and end at 5 a.m. on Mondays.
State Police report a Northampton man, 24, died in a single-vehicle crash on the ramp from the Sumner Tunnel to Storrow Drive around 3:20 a.m.
His two passengers, 22 and 18, were taken to nearby Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries, State Police say. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Kevin the roving UHub photographer was forced to stop roving due to an 18-wheeler that ground to a halt after entering the Sumner Tunnel this evening. State Police reported one lane was shut around 6:30 p.m., but that the truck was removed and the lane re-opened shortly before 9 p.m.
Danielle Johns had no choice but to gaze upon this stuck truck in the Sumner Tunnel shortly before noon:
Heading from airport into Boston so might want to find another route. Traffic waaay backed up.
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