Leach s Assembly Bill 2010 would fund a state study of the feasibility of boring a fourth hole and start the process for dramatic change in the daily commute of East Bay residents. The traffic on Highway 24 through the tunnel has far outstripped capacity of the three bore tunnel, said Leach. Contra Costa County s population has doubled since the third bore was added in 1964, and on this very day, about 150,000 vehicles will pass through the tunnel. The Bay area as a whole is among the worst regions in the state with regard to traffic congestion, Leach continued.
Commuters spend excessive, unnecesary hours struggling to get to and from work.
It s time for the state to step in to provide an objective study of the costs associated with the 4th bore and the validity of this alternative in comparison with others. This way, local transportation officials will have a sound study to discuss as our region grapples with gridlock.