Update! TBM Lowering on Wednesday, Sept 30th!

The massive Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is scheduled to be lowered into the South Shaft starting around 7am on Wednesday, September 30th. The process could take several hours, depending on conditions at the site. Be sure to watch from your homes and send us any photos you take!

We will post photos and possibly video in the next week! The TBM and other equipment will be placed in the shaft over the next week. In October, they will begin boring the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel under Polhemus Road.

Please Respect Safety: The project team has noticed golf balls at the South Shaft site. Please respect safety and do not hit golf balls onto the site as they have the potential to severely injure workers and staff and cause severe damage to equipment.

TBM Lowering into South Shaft on Sept 29 or 30th

The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be lowered into the South Shaft next week - on either Sept 29th or 30th, depending on conditions at the site.

The TBM will be used to bore the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel under Polhemus Road. The amazing machine will eat through rock and other materials to bore the 4,200 foot long tunnel.

Watch this blog for the updated date and time the TBM will be lowered.

Neighbors - we would love to see photos you take from your homes during the TBM lowering! Please contact us via the blog and we will upload photos.

Please join us on the Sawyer Camp Trail on Saturday, Sept 26th!

Please join the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the San Mateo County Parks Department on the Sawyer Camp Trail this Saturday, September 26th from 9am to 1pm.

We will have a table near the kiosks with information about upcoming Water System Improvement Program projects on the peninsula and information about proposed new trails.

Neighbors Get Inside Look at TBM during Launch Event on Sept 18th

Curious neighbors joined San Francisco Public Utilities Commission staff and the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel project team on Friday, September 18th for a behind-the-scenes look at the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The group looked inside the inner workings of the TBM cutter head and stepped inside the TBM trailing gear to learn how the electrical and hydraulic system work.

Construction managers Victor Romero and Sarah Wilson answered questions and described in detail how the TBM, trailing gear and muck removal equipment will be lowered into the south shaft in early October in preparation for boring the tunnel. Regional Project Manager Husam Masri shared with the group the importance of the project and how it is an integral part of the Hetch Hetchy Water System.

Watch this blog for photos of the TBM being lowered into the South Shaft in early October.

Friday at 11am: Preview the TBM

The tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will bore the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel is completely assembled and ready for viewing.

Neighbors are invited to join the Project Team and learn more about this customized TBM that was designed by the contractor and fabricated for this project in Osaka, Japan.

Join us on Friday, September 18 at 11 am at the project site: 525 Polhemus Road.

San Mateo County Officials Visit

Last week, WSIP Director Julie Labonte toured the tunnel job site and shaft with San Mateo County representatives who were interested in our progress and seeing the tunnel boring machine. Pictured from left to right Husam Masri, Regional Project Manager; Diana Shu and Joe LoCoco of San Mateo County, WSIP Director Labonte, and Curtis Bahten, Project Superintendent.




Join us on Friday to inspect the Tunnel boring machine (TBM) yourself.

You're Invited! TBM Launch September 18th!

You’re Invited!! Tunnel Boring Machine Launch on Friday, September 18th

Join us at the South Shaft at 525 Polhemus Road at 11am, Friday, September 18th for the official launch of the NCSBT Tunnel Boring Machine!

Learn how it works, meet the project team and take photographs next to the massive machine! RSVP required by noon on September 16th via email: newcstunnel@sfwater.org or phone 650-212-0165.