Sumner Tunnel - History

History

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 E-ZPass electronic toll collection system. For East Boston residents, a discount is in effect using a E-ZPass transponder, costing $0.40. On November 14, 2008, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority voted in favor of a proposed toll hike which would double the toll to $7.00 for non-commercial vehicles. E-ZPass users would receive a $1.00 discount and commercial vehicles would end up having to pay $9.00. This vote was later rescinded following a vote approving a 1.25% sales tax increase.