Devil's Slide Overnight Tunnel Work To End Mid-August

The ongoing one-way traffic enforcement that's been happening at the Devil's Slide tunnels for more than 30 nights now will soon come to an end. 

By mid-August this additional work, which was part of the original tunnel contract and anticipated when the Tom Lantos Tunnels first opened to the public in March, will be complete, according to Caltrans spokesman Robert Haus.

The construction of the cul-de-sac and parking areas, which are located along the existing Highway 1 alignment, could not be done until traffic was off the old road and into the tunnels. There were also electrical conduits, light poles, and drainage facilities that had to be installed after the tunnel opening. And additional paving was required because the roadway alignment was not permanently set when the tunnel opened.

Remaining night work that requires one-way traffic control includes the removal of a sign panel and pole at the southern end of Highway 1.

According to Caltrans spokesman Vince Jacala, the work is in preparation of the relinquishment of parcels of land to San Mateo County, which plans to build a park and a trail with the property.

The former roadway won't be entirely repaved, but it will be "microsurfaced," or covered with a quarter-inch of gravel slurry that should fill in gaps and ruts in the road to even out the surface, particularly for cyclists so they don't flip over while riding along the trail.

The trail should be finished by March, according to San Mateo County Parks officials. Public comments on the project will still be accepted via e-mail at parksandrecreation@smcgov.org until Aug. 9. Copies of the plans can be viewed at: www.smcoparks.org/dstrailproject.