There are two projects slated for Tunnel Trail.
The first one up will last approximately 3-4 weeks, and does not close the trail. The work will be off on the spur road that leads down to the small Tunnel exit. There will be some pick-up trucks and construction equipment traveling on the Trail to get to the spur road, but once there, all work is to be contained to that location. The work involves reconfiguring the water piping at the exit of the Tunnel, so there will be some construction noise, but no impact to the public’s access to the trail.
The Tunnel contractor will begin mobilizing materials and equipment to the site, as well as have their on-site SBC Fire Inspection next week. Active construction will start the following week of 4/18/22, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of May.
The second project is to install an air relief valve off the side of the trail, a little closer to the trail entrance than the spur road, which will require trenching across the trail, and therefore, requires the trail to be closed for about one week. This work will not take place until after the Tunnel work is complete, so we can communicate again when that work is closer to starting.
The Tunnel contractor will be placing signage at the entrance to the trail a few days in advance, letting users know that there is work up ahead (on the spur road), but that access to the trail will remain unaffected.
Heidi Braunger
Project Engineer
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA, Public Works