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Aerial photo of Devil’s Slide Project
Today, I visited the south construction zone for the Devil’s Slide Tunnel by-pass project. It was a dog and pony show with many local politicians showing up to state their support and claim credit for their contributions. It wasn’t nearly as offensive as it could have been, some of the speakers even managed a little self-deprecating humor. The most important thing is, the digging is now under way after 2 years of preparatory work on site, and 11 years after voters approved the project in 1996.
The two tunnels when complete will be 4,200 feet (1,280m) in length each from the portal on the south side (Half Moon Bay) to the Shamrock Ranch portal. The tunnels will be exacavated using the New Austrian Tunneling Method which uses lithostatic force from the surrounding rock mass to stabilize the tunnel structure. From the north side, the tunnels will exit onto twin 1,000 foot (305m) long bridges across a deep valley. Work on the bridges should be complete by the summer of 2008, work on the tunnels should be complete by winter 2010, and all the clean-up and associated projects should be completed by 2011. The existing Route 1 over Devil’s Slide will become a recreation area.
I snapped some photos while at the event, they’re embedded below with a little commentary with each picture. Click any image to get the large version (2048×1536.)
The crowd gathers for the ceremony
CalTrans Director Will Kempton speaks
Congressman Tom Lantos speaks
State Senator Leland Yee speaks
San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon speaks
Preparing to dig
Digging!
Close up of “first dirt” post digging
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Interesting, but I feel sad for the little froggies who used to live in the pool right there. 🙁
Anneliese, there are trade-offs with every choice. This certainly is a controversial project because of the frogs, the cost, and the duration.
But, access was going to be improved one way or another and it appears to me that this is the least bad choice (though it certainly is expensive!)
Great photos. The last I drove by they were preparing for the groundbreaking. There wasn’t much to see in the process of driving by, but you could see there was progress being made. I’m sure the politicians speeches were riveting. 🙂
Jim, you chose just the right word: riveting. Yes, it’s clear politicians and bureaucrats like to hear themselves talk. But, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t too bad. The entire event was over within an hour.
Totally agree Mike! I enjoy following the progress.
Me too, though I have to say having just driven through there, I wish they’d get digging!