The current phase of construction of the Devil’s Slide tunnel, which includes shaping Montara Mountain and widening the highway near Gray Whale Cove, will last until next spring, reports the County Times.
This will be followed by building a bridge to the tunnel entrance on the Pacifica side of the mountain, and the blasting of the tunnel itself. The tunnel is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
The article recounts some of the problems the tunnel already encountered with endangered species. Work had to be halted until a nestful of peregrine falcons were ready to leave home. And there are red-legged frogs all over the building site.
Has anyone heard details about the "wetlands expansion and restoration" that has begun just north of 2nd Street in Montara? They've begun rerouting some of the walking trails and have posted signage within the last few days. I have asked for details from CalTrans several times but have thus far not received a response.
I'm not sure what wetlands expansion and restoration means in terms of this project. but it sounds suspiciously similar to "creating a West Nile Virus breeding ground 200 yards directly upwind of the Elementary School". Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the tunnel and I'm all for wetlands but when our County resources are already strapped trying to deal with West Nile Virus it seems like a really bad idea to be expanding a wetlands are directly upwind from a school where children play outside.
Todd McGee Third Street, Montara