Tunnel Recovery and Re-Entry Update

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As of 2/11/2026, Tunnel crews have re-entered the Clearwater tunnel and arrived safely to within 135 feet of where the breach occurred inside on July 9, 2026.  We are pleased to report safety and engineering inspections of the tunnel’s integrity up to this point (approximately five miles in) have detected no safety concerns. CalOSHA must approve human entry up to the exact location of the breach so that the Sanitation Districts’ contracted tunnel experts and engineers can determine the best and safest method to access and repair the breach.  The first stage of this process will be to safely remove or pump out water that has accumulated behind the breach debris, remove the debris itself, and stabilize the tunnel in this specific area. This work is being assisted by visual inspections using drones and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with cameras.  Completion of re-entry and stabilization of this breach area, under CalOSHA review and approval, is expected to last several months and will be slow and methodical to ensure the safety of everyone assisting in this repair and recovery work.