MBTA's Blue Line will be free, new ferry service offered during Sumner Tunnel closure this summer

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The MBTA released a plan Friday, which includes free rides on the Blue Line and a new ferry service, to help riders while the Sumner Tunnel is closed this summer.

The tunnel will be closed from Wednesday, July 5, through Thursday, Aug. 31, to facilitate work on the tunnel's multimillion-dollar restoration project.

During the closure, no fares will be required on the Blue Line. The MBTA is also offering free and reduced water ferry service, reduced fares on the commuter rail, reduced parking costs at MBTA and Commuter Rail parking lots and garages and additional options for travelers to and from Logan International Airport.

Video: Free Blue Line, new ferry and Sumner Tunnel closure

In addition to providing the East Boston Ferry as a free transit option, the MBTA has added a new ferry service between Lynn and Central Wharf in Boston to provide an additional transit option during the closure.

The Sumner Tunnel closure is expected to create heavy traffic in East Boston while it's closed.

After the full shutdown, the Sumner Tunnel will reopen on Friday, Sept. 1, in time for Labor Day weekend. The restoration project will then enter its third phase when it is once again closed on weekends — 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday — starting Sept. 8.

The third phase is expected to last into the winter, but the tunnel will be open on the weekends of Oct. 9 (Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day), Nov. 17 (pre-Thanksgiving) and Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving). It is unclear at this time exactly how long the project's third phase will last.

MassDOT said, however, that limiting the length of the full closure this summer necessitates adding another 24/7 closure in the summer of 2024 from July to August.

Additional details on travel options by region:

East Boston, Revere, and Winthrop

North Shore

Logan Airport

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