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Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore Opening

Ellina Bartholomew Couts (left) stands by her medallion design, which depicts all four bores of the Caldecott Tunnel. Also pictured is Nuala Gorshow.
Ellina Bartholomew Couts (left) stands by her medallion design, which depicts all four bores of the Caldecott Tunnel. Also pictured is Nuala Gorshow.
Credit
Brenda Kahn
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Two of the winning artists are sisters, Nuala Gorshow and Aoife Gorshow, who pose here with Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.
Two of the winning artists are sisters, Nuala Gorshow and Aoife Gorshow, who pose here with Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.
Credit
Brenda Kahn
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Artist Daniell McCann poses by her medallion design.
Artist Daniell McCann poses by her medallion design.
Credit
Brenda Kahn
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
A road sign deep within the new bore bears a joyful message: "Tunnel Open."
A road sign deep within the new bore bears a joyful message: "Tunnel Open."
Credit
Brenda Kahn
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Officials gather at the eastern portal for the ribbon cutting.
Officials gather at the eastern portal for the ribbon cutting.
Credit
Brenda Kahn
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Artist Penelope Watson built her medallion design around a wildlife theme.
Artist Penelope Watson built her medallion design around a wildlife theme.
Credit
Brenda Kahn
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Congressman George Miller wields the ceremonial scissors.
Congressman George Miller wields the ceremonial scissors.
Credit
Brenda Kahn
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The medallion artists pose with their designs.
The medallion artists pose with their designs.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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Janet Abelson, Contra Costa Transportation Authority Chair (left) and MTC Commissioner Dorene Giacopini
Janet Abelson, Contra Costa Transportation Authority Chair (left) and MTC Commissioner Dorene Giacopini
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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Congressman George Miller leads the Fourth Bore's ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Congressman George Miller leads the Fourth Bore's ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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MTC Commissioner Dorene Giacopini (left) and Janet Abelson, Contra Costa Transportation Authority Chair
MTC Commissioner Dorene Giacopini (left) and Janet Abelson, Contra Costa Transportation Authority Chair
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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Scott Haggerty, MTC Commissioner and Chair of the Alameda County Transportation Commission(
Scott Haggerty, MTC Commissioner and Chair of the Alameda County Transportation Commission(
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan.
Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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One of the funding partners is the California Transportation Commission, whose chair James O. Ghielmetti spoke at the event.
One of the funding partners is the California Transportation Commission, whose chair James O. Ghielmetti spoke at the event.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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Over 200 people gathered in the sun to cheer on the newest addition to the Caldecott Tunnel.
Over 200 people gathered in the sun to cheer on the newest addition to the Caldecott Tunnel.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
The medallion artists pose with their designs.
The medallion artists pose with their designs.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Traffic streams through the tunnel on opening day.
Traffic streams through the tunnel on opening day.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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State, local and federal officials gather to celebrate the new bore.
State, local and federal officials gather to celebrate the new bore.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Congressman George Miller leads the Fourth Bore's ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Congressman George Miller leads the Fourth Bore's ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
MTC Chair Amy Worth congratulates one of the young artists whose medallion designs adorn the tunnel portal.
MTC Chair Amy Worth congratulates one of the young artists whose medallion designs adorn the tunnel portal.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
For young medallion artist Chaya Tong, the still-empty tunnel inspires a joyful leap.
For young medallion artist Chaya Tong, the still-empty tunnel inspires a joyful leap.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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The Fourth Bore opened to traffic Saturday, November 16, 2013.
The Fourth Bore opened to traffic Saturday, November 16, 2013.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
Not labeled for reuse. All rights reserved.
Janet Abelson, chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, greets the crowd.
Janet Abelson, chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, greets the crowd.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx poses with Randell Iwasaki, executive director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx poses with Randell Iwasaki, executive director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.
Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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“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.
“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.
Credit
Karl Nielsen
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.

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