Motorists planning to hit the picturesque stretch of State Route 1 near San Mateo County might need to tap the brakes on their night travel plans for the next few days as Caltrans shuts down the southbound lane of the Tom Lantos Tunnel. The shutdown, designated for drain cleaning, is set to take place from December 19 through December 21, each night from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.,Caltrans announced in a post on X.
SAN MATEO COUNTY — Caltrans has scheduled overnight closures of southbound State Route (SR-1) at the Tom Lantos Tunnel (Devil’s Slide). The closures are to facilitate drain cleaning. December 19-21, 8:00pm – 4:00am Each Night. One-way traffic control will be in place. pic.twitter.com/0jOYHad2T6
— Caltrans District 4 (@CaltransD4) December 18, 2023
Determined to keep the disruptions to a minimum, Caltrans has prepared one-way traffic control in the northbound tunnel, guiding drivers around the southbound closure. There will also be provisions enabling emergency vehicles to pass through with ease, says the transportation agency. Not everyone might be ready for the changing patterns, and traffic buildup could extend into the night while the southbound tunnel gets its pipes polished.
Changeable message and directional signs will be deployed to help navigate the altered traffic flow, and California Highway Patrol officers are reported to be on site, ensuring safety during this nocturnal operation. "One-way traffic control will be in place to safely guide vehicles through the open northbound tunnel," Caltrans posted on X, signaling a well-coordinated effort to manage the temporary inconvenience.
Commuters and late-night ramblers should remain vigilant, heed the signs, and perhaps most importantly, maintain a safe driving speed while transiting through the area, known as the 'Cone Zone' where the closure extends beyond the set hours. Caltrans suggests preparation and patience. "Please drive with caution," Caltrans urged, and, "Slow for the Cone Zone and Be Work Zone Alert," stressing the importance of safety around the work crews diligently aiming to enhance the reliability of this coastal artery.
