Community Corner
PG&E Power Shutdown: Tom Lantos Tunnel To Remain Open
Transportation officials say that even if the power is cut to the region, the tunnels will remain open.
PACIFICA, CA — A major tunnel system near Pacifica will stay open — for now — despite planned power outages in the Bay Area on Wednesday, according to transportation officials. The Tom Lantos Tunnels near Devil's Slide on State Route 1 were initially forecast to close during the planned power shutoff that is impacting the region.
"Caltrans has confirmed that the Tom Lantos Tunnel along CA-1 in Pacifica will remain open during the PG&E Power Shutdown," the metropolitan transportation commission said Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Caltrans officials had said on Tuesday the tunnels may close because power is essential to keep the tunnels open because the tunnels must be ventilated and electricity is required to run the tunnels' ventilation fans.
Find out what's happening in Pacificafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Caltrans is engaging closely with partners towards ensuring that alternate sources of power are available to provide continual operations for both the Caldecott & Tom Lantos Tunnels; four generators for Caldecott if electricity is lost. A similar alternative for the Tom Lantos pic.twitter.com/0EY2dD4ebJ
— Caltrans District 4 (@CaltransD4) October 9, 2019
The Caldecott Tunnel bores were also still open as of Wednesday, but their fate is still not certain and officials said it "remains a fluid event and motorists are advised to check back frequently."
"Caltrans is working to ensure that alternate sources of power are available to provide continual operations for the Caldecott Tunnel in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties on State Route 24," the transportation commission said. "The tunnel cannot operate without power."
Find out what's happening in Pacificafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Since Tuesday, Caltrans has worked to get four generators to keep the systems working on the Caldecott Tunnel and a similar solution for the Tom Lantos Tunnel should power be shut down in the area of the tunnels.
Despite the generators coming in, Caltrans advised the work to set them up will take 12-14 hours and the situation may change "by the hour."
At least 181,000 commuters use the Caldecott Tunnel each day, according to Caltrans spokeswoman RocQuel Johnson.
Motorists are encouraged to use 511.org or follow morning newscasts for the latest information.
— Bay City News Service contributed to this report
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