11 Frustrating Things About Boston, Worse Than the Sumner Tunnel Closure
The Sumner Tunnel is now closed for 8 weeks. This is a majorly annoying inconvenience for anyone who travels around Logan Airport and beyond. As far as the actual closure,…
Boston, MA – June 24: A sign at the entrance to the Sumner Tunnel announces its closure. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
(Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)The Sumner Tunnel is now closed for 8 weeks. This is a majorly annoying inconvenience for anyone who travels around Logan Airport and beyond. As far as the actual closure, the tunnel will be fully closed from July 5, 2023 to August 31, 2023. It will then be closed most weekends for the fall and winter and if that all wasn't enough, another full closure is planned for the summer of 2024.
As far as which neighborhoods and the people who'll be most affected by the closure: East Boston and South Boston residents will see a lot more traffic congestion than normal. And residents in the North End will be able to hear noise due to the construction. Also, if you need to get in and out of Logan Airport, they're recommending you don't drive. But if you have to, there are alternative routes as the Callahan tunnel will remain open BUT expect an extra 2 hours of travel time. A little extreme maybe, but it's better to plan ahead than not.
Now, we expect that the next 8 weeks of this closure will be a super inconvenience for a lot of people. But, leave it to us to try and make you feel a lot better about your life. We wanted to put together some kind of list that'll help you feel better about your commute. A way to sort of let you know that things can always be worse. A way to get you to look at this closure with a whole new perspective. Just remember. When you think things in life are awful, they can always be worse. And we mean ALWAYS. And things in Boston will always frustrate us. Even more than the closure. So, enjoy these very relatable things we've put together and as always, if you have one you'd like to add, reach out to us on social media.
Lack of Boston nightlife
We all know, the lack of Boston nightlife is a real thing. Not only are there limited bars, happy hours (non existent) and clubs BUT the ones that are open, CLOSE SO DAMN EARLY.
Constant construction
There seems to be ONE construction season here in Boston, and that's ALL YEAR LONG. It always seems to be done at the most inopportune times too. Midday, afternoon...constant lane closures.
TAXES
We all complain about taxes here in Massachusetts and they are somewhat high. Massachusetts has an 8.00 percent corporate income tax rate and a 6.25 percent state sales tax rate. However, we actually rank 34th overall in the country so it's not THAT bad here. But it can always improve.
Car Inspections
What a SCAM! Car inspections are just another way for this state to get more money. Inspections cost $35 for most vehicles and MUST be done each year. You can be rejected pretty easily. Do you have bad tires, faulty breaks, emissions issues? You'll fail and have to pay even MORE money to eventually pass.
Housing Prices
It is probably the absolute worst thing about Boston right now. Every time a new luxury condo building pops up, I immediately think, “Who can afford to live there tho?” And it seems like it’s only going to get worse.
Parking sucks
It’s expensive, you can never find a “cheap” spot, spots are always taken up by construction, you have to move for street cleaning, the list goes on and on. Outrageously expensive is probably the worst though.
Massholes
You know who we’re talking about. They’re on the roads, in the stores, restaurants, and everywhere else. Some see it as a badge of honor. Want to know if you’re a Masshole? See 19 Signs You Are Clearly A Masshole.
Never-ending potholes
I swear potholes in Boston are like a game of Whack-a-Mole. They fill one up and another one pops up in it’s place. Our poor tires!
The T
Sure the Blue Line will be free during the closure, but let’s cross our fingers that the Blue Line doesn’t end up like the problem-plagued Green, Orange, and Red Lines.
Trying to merge from the South Shore Plaza to the Northbound Expressway
There are many places around the Boston area where merging is tough, but this one in Braintree is one of the worse. Runner up: The merge getting onto Storrow Drive near the TD Garden.
"Those fans"
You know exactly who I’m talking about. Whether it’s a concert or a sporting events, there are always “those fans” who can ruin the whole experience. Spilling drinks on other people, fighting over nothing, and just being over the top annoying.
