Ellina Bartholomew Couts (left) stands by her medallion design, which depicts all four bores of the Caldecott Tunnel. Also pictured is Nuala Gorshow.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Two of the winning artists are sisters, Nuala Gorshow and Aoife Gorshow, who pose here with Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Artist Daniell McCann poses by her medallion design.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
A road sign deep within the new bore bears a joyful message: "Tunnel Open."
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Officials gather at the eastern portal for the ribbon cutting.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Artist Penelope Watson built her medallion design around a wildlife theme.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Congressman George Miller wields the ceremonial scissors.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
The medallion artists pose with their designs.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Janet Abelson, Contra Costa Transportation Authority Chair (left) and MTC Commissioner Dorene Giacopini
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Congressman George Miller leads the Fourth Bore's ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
MTC Commissioner Dorene Giacopini (left) and Janet Abelson, Contra Costa Transportation Authority Chair
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Scott Haggerty, MTC Commissioner and Chair of the Alameda County Transportation Commission(
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
One of the funding partners is the California Transportation Commission, whose chair James O. Ghielmetti spoke at the event.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Over 200 people gathered in the sun to cheer on the newest addition to the Caldecott Tunnel.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
The medallion artists pose with their designs.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Traffic streams through the tunnel on opening day.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
State, local and federal officials gather to celebrate the new bore.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Congressman George Miller leads the Fourth Bore's ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
MTC Chair Amy Worth congratulates one of the young artists whose medallion designs adorn the tunnel portal.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
For young medallion artist Chaya Tong, the still-empty tunnel inspires a joyful leap.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
The Fourth Bore opened to traffic Saturday, November 16, 2013.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Janet Abelson, chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, greets the crowd.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx poses with Randell Iwasaki, executive director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
“As one of the initiators of this project in 1998, I am proud to see the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel open and provide sorely needed traffic relief for East Bay commuters,” State Senator Mark DeSaulnier said.
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
After passing muster with fire officials, the new Caldecott Fourth Bore got the go-ahead in time for a grand opening ceremony on Friday, November 15 and inaugural traffic the following day. Local, regional, state and federal officials and a 200-plus crowd gathered at the eastern portal of the new bore on Friday to cut a ceremonial ribbon and unveil the kid-designed decorative medallions that grace both the east and west portals of the new tunnel.