Tunnel Recovery and Re-Entry Update May 2026

Crews use small excavator inside the tunnel to remove the slurry fill pumped in to stabilize breach area.

5/26/2026: Tunnel crews are actively at work inside the Clearwater tunnel near where the breach occurred on July 9, 2026.  We are pleased to report tunnel integrity is fine and the contractor has restored air and power all the way to this area so workers can operate safely. CalOSHA still oversees and approves each step of work being performed.  The slurry fill pumped down into the tunnel from Western Avenue May 13 & 14 was successful. Workers are engaged in chipping this fill away to safely drain the remaining ground water trapped in the tunnel and remove the fallen debris from the breach. Limited space for workers and equipment means this part of the process - five miles inside the tunnel - will be slow and methodical as material is brought out of the tunnel and water continues to drain. Once this part of the work is complete, the contractor will move to the next step of stabilizing and repairing of the actual breach.