Project
Construction on the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel is beginning, along with Caltrans soundwall improvements. Construction work triggers obligation for City of Oakland to implement mitigation projects funded by an $8 million settlement agreement.
Site group: Caldecott / Upper Broadway mitigation corridor
Caldecott Tunnel, Oakland Hills
Caltrans held scoping meetings for a possible fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel on Route 24. The final public scoping meeting was January 9 at Peralta Elementary School. RCPC was tracking the project and urging the community to provide input.
RCPC sent a letter to Caltrans opposing the westbound bore and requesting a broader environmental study covering negative local impacts and remediation steps for increased sound and traffic problems.
Opposition to the Caldecott fourth bore referenced prominently in RCPC board election candidate statements as a key ongoing RCPC issue.
Caldecott fourth bore mentioned in RCPC board candidate statements as an ongoing opposition project. Candidate Jessica Pitt noted that if resistance fails, land use must be part of mitigation.
CalTrans proposed drilling a fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel to add 2-3 lanes, estimated at $200-$400 million. The project was described as a 'done deal' by local leaders despite community concerns about a shortened EIR that excluded nearby schools and Frog Park from its scope.
The Caldecott 4th Bore project is referenced in the community calendar as the October topic of Councilmember Brunner's community advisory meeting, confirming ongoing community engagement on the project.
Draft Environmental Impact Report released May 2006 for the proposed fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel. Public comment hearings were scheduled. The Fourth Bore Coalition criticized the adequacy of the DEIR. Construction projected to last five years with round-the-clock work beginning approximately 2008.
Recap of the EIR public hearing held June 27. Community members and RCPC continued to engage with the environmental review process for the proposed fourth bore.
RCPC and the Fourth Bore Coalition (FROG) submitted formal opposition letters regarding the environmental review. RCPC's letter objected to the adequacy of the DEIR and raised concerns about construction impacts.
The RCPC subcommittee on the Caldecott 4th Bore is preparing its response to the Draft Environmental Assessment/EIR. A coalition of neighborhood groups (the Fourth Bore Coalition) was formed; the final EA/EIR was expected in October.
The City of Oakland's response to Caltrans' Draft EIR found the analysis inadequate, noting it ignored impacts on residential areas west of the tunnel. Caltrans' Final EIR was scheduled for release in October. Oakland and neighborhood groups considering legal action.
Caltrans sent its Response to Comments on August 29, which Oakland found inadequate. Caltrans certified its Final EIR on September 12. Oakland and neighborhood and environmental groups are considering filing a lawsuit to block the project.
Proposed fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel connecting Oakland and the eastern Contra Costa communities. Caltrans NOD (Notice of Determination) was rescinded and reissued; City of Oakland negotiating. Estimated cost $420 million.
Lawsuit filed by a coalition including RCPC and FROG (Friends of Rockridge) against Caltrans over the Fourth Bore project. The $420 million project faces a two-month delay for court-mandated negotiations. Coalition argues environmental review was inadequate.
Caltrans planning a fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel, designed to increase traffic capacity. RCPC and the Fourth Bore Coalition filed a lawsuit against Caltrans for failure to adequately consider environmental impacts including increased noise, air quality, and traffic on Rockridge streets and schools.
The Fourth Bore Coalition (FBC) and Caltrans were engaged in settlement discussions while the lawsuit moved forward. Caltrans put forth a settlement proposal FBC was considering. FBC incorporated as a California nonprofit and was seeking funds for legal, environmental, and construction experts to support its mitigation efforts.
A coalition was preparing for trial to oppose or challenge the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore project, with a court date set for October 24. Volunteers were nearly finished preparing the legal record.
The Fourth Bore Coalition's lawsuit against the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore came to trial on October 31 before Judge Roesch, then continued to November 5.
After two lengthy oral argument sessions, the Fourth Bore Coalition's lawsuit challenging Caltrans' Caldecott Improvement Project was submitted to Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch for a decision. The project would add a fourth bore to the Caldecott Tunnel.
Governor Schwarzenegger threatened to veto any budget bill that did not exempt the Caldecott Tunnel fourth bore and other infrastructure projects from CEQA environmental review. The RCPC and coalition called this penny wise and pound foolish.
The Fourth Bore Coalition and Caltrans reached a settlement on January 23, 2009. The settlement included $8.2 million in surface street improvements for Rockridge, including signal upgrades, sidewalk installations, and a $2 million commitment for SR-13 improvements.
The January 23 settlement with Caltrans was described in detail, including provisions for $3 million for freeway noise and air quality improvements at nearby schools and a protective debris barrier, along with surface street signal and sidewalk improvements for Rockridge.
Construction on the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel is beginning, along with Caltrans soundwall improvements. Construction work triggers obligation for City of Oakland to implement mitigation projects funded by an $8 million settlement agreement.
“Thursday, Jan. 9, 7-9pm. Peralta Elementary School, 460 63rd St. Information on proposed tunnel project: opportunity for public input on the scope of the environmental analysis.”2003_01 - Community Calendar listing for Caldecott Tunnel scoping meeting
“We're strongly opposed to the current plan for a westbound bore. The plan lacks a serious look at negative local impacts and what remediation steps would be needed to offset increased sound and traffic problems.”2003_02 - RCPC Traffic Chair Michael Whitfield, quoted in article
“The Fourth Bore Coalition, a group opposing the project, criticized the adequacy of the DEIR.”2006_06 - article describing public comment period on Caldecott DEIR
“RCPC and FROG have submitted letters opposing the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore Draft Environmental Impact Report.”2006_09 - article describing formal opposition letters submitted
“The current inadequate level of analysis makes it impossible to identify appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures.”2007_09 - Caldecott Tunnel Project article, quoting City of Oakland's response to DEIR, September issue