The Caldecott Tunnel on state Highway 24 will remain open for now, according to Caltrans officials who brought in generators Wednesday morning that are expected to power the tunnel’s infrastructure for at least seven days amid PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff.
The Tom Lantos Tunnel on state Highway 1 in San Mateo County is also expected to remain open, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Both tunnels were at risk of closure due to the power shutoff. Caltrans officials had said Tuesday the tunnels might close because power is essential to keep the tunnels open due to the need for ventilation.
According to Caltrans, three generators will power the Caldecott Tunnel during the shutoff while a fourth generator is on site as a backup.
At least 181,000 commuters use the Caldecott Tunnel each day, Caltrans spokeswoman RocQuel Johnson said.
UPDATE: Thanks to diligent efforts by Caltrans crews with help from our partners, the Caldecott and Tom Lantos tunnels will remain open through the #PSPS. No service disruption is expected.
Toll and movable bridges are expected to be unaffected. https://t.co/ss1gpvpfRc
— Caltrans HQ (@CaltransHQ) October 9, 2019
Bay City News
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