Tunnel Portal – Central Subway Blog

Central Subway Tunnel Project Wins Award of Merit From ENR

central_subway — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 23:36:36 +0000

Central Subway Project Manager John Funghi leads Mayor Edwin Lee on a tour of the completed tunnels

Congratulations to the Central Subway Team for achieving an Award of Merit for best transportation project of 2015 from Engineering News record, a weekly magazine highlighting the construction industry. The award was given for the completion of the Central Subway Tunnel. The Central Subway Tunnel Project was cited for completing an intricate project on time and within the approved budget.

A method called deep tunneling was used to build the tunnels. Two tunnel boring machines, named for San Francisco Legends Alma Spreckels and Dr. Margaret “Mom” Chung, were used in the construction. Use of these machines enabled the work to be finished with less surface disruptions and reduced utility relocations.

The Central Subway Tunnel completion was a major milestone for the project. When the Central Subway is completed, T Third Line trains will travel mostly underground in the 2 mile tunnels from 4th Street to Chinatown, bypassing heavy traffic on congested 4th and Stockton Streets. Our team is very proud to have been recognized by ENR for this achievement.

The Central Subway Team looks forward to more success in 2016. We wish San Francisco a very happy and healthy holiday season.

For more information on this honor see http://www.enr.com/articles/38039-airporttransit-award-of-merit-central-subway-tunnel.

Below are some photos of the project.

Former Mayor Gavin Newsom and former District 3 Supervisor David Chiu join other local dignitaries at the Central Subway groundbreaking ceremony in February, 2010

Two workers install utility conduits following the completion of new section of tunnel

The cutterheads of both tunnel boring machines can be seen following the completion of the twin tunnels of the Central Subway

Media Tours Central Subway Tunnels

central_subway — Wed, 20 May 2015 22:30:52 +0000

San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee congratulates Central Subway Project Director John Funghi on completion of Tunnel Contract 1252. This contract consists of the 1.7 mile long twin tunnels connecting South of Market through Union Square and Chinatown. Also included in the contract (pictured here) is the tunnel portal located on 4th Street between Harrison and Bryant.

The twin tunnels are made up of precast concrete rings comprised of six segments, which are bolted together underground. Next steps for the Project include installation of track and systems to get revenue service ready by 2019.

Local and network media participated in a news conference earlier this week to see the completed tunnels firsthand.

Read here for more about the event.

Featured Photos – April 16

central_subway — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 23:11:51 +0000

The vast majority of the tunneling contract for the Central Subway Project, technically known as “Contract 1252,” is completed. The roadway around the tunnel portal has been freshly repaved. Remaining work consists of restoring street lights, sidewalks, planters and roadway striping.

Completed construction allows for greater pedestrian access on the west side of 4th Street between Harrison and Bryant.

A look down the tunnel portal where trains will travel both north and south through the subway. Contractors need to construct the final road surface in preparation for laying down track.

Featured Photos – March 25

central_subway — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:38:15 +0000

A decorative set-back curb and wall located above the Central Subway tunnel entrance south of Harrison on 4th Street.

View of the tunnel portal ramp from 4th and Stillman during construction of the portal walls, which will separate automobile traffic from light rail vehicles.

Workers put up temporary bracing while they pour concrete for the tunnel portal walls at 4th and Perry Alley.