Photo

Can't wait for the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel to open? Visit the Museum of the San Ramon Valley through Jan. 5, 2013 to see a collection of dramatic photographs of the project. Taken by Karl Nielson of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and John Huseby of Caltrans, the photos will be displayed in the Museum waiting room.

When it opens to traffic in late 2013, the fourth bore will relieve traffic congestion in the off-peak direction along the heavily traveled section of State Route 24 by permanently dedicating two bores to westbound traffic and two to eastbound traffic. The $402.1 million project is one of the largest recipients of Recovery Act funding in the nation and was also made
possible through significant funding provided by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.

The photographs present rare views of tunnel excavation, which started in August 2010, and
also include portraits of some of the project's many unsung heroes.

"Because Caltrans cannot provide tunnel tours for the public, we've done the next best thing," said Fourth Bore Public Information Officer Ivy Morrison. "We're bringing the Fourth Bore to communities throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties in the form of a traveling photo exhibit."

One photograph depicts the "brass board" -- a vestige of traditional mining projects -- where
miners "brass in" each time they enter the tunnel. This practice would help rescue crews know
if there are miners working in the tunnel.
Another photograph depicts the breakthrough, which occurred when the top portion of the
east and west sides of the tunnel met late last year. Giant tunneling equipment broke through
the last remaining wall and there was literally light at the end of the tunnel.

"Tunnel Vision" follows up the popular Tunneling through Time presentation about the fourth bore
which was presented at the Village Theater last fall. It is co-sponsored by the San Ramon Valley
Historical Society.

After visiting Danville, the exhibit will continue on to other public venues in Contra Costa and Alameda counties including:
-Alameda Museum from Oct-Dec, 2012
-Rockridge Library in January/February, 2013
-Lafayette Library, March 1 to April 1, 2013
-Clayton Historical House, March 1 to April 30, 2013
-Orinda Library, July, 2013

The Museum is located in the former Danville Train Depot at 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. It is open from 1 - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays and
noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Call 837-3750 or visit www.museumsrv.org for additional information.

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