Modern Artwork or the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel?

North Shaft replacement pipeline Tee looking toward butterfly valve.

South Shaft looking up.

South Shaft looking down.

Photos courtesy of Jacobs Associates

New Toll-Free, 24 hour, 7 day per week Phone Number

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has a new toll-free, 24 hour a day, 7 day per week phone number for calls about our Water System Improvement Program (WSIP) projects.

You can now call 866-973-1476 anytime for information about the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel project and other WSIP projects.

This number does not replace our local 650-212-0165 number, which rings to our offices at the South Shaft site, the 866 number is just one additional way to reach us at any time.

SFPUC General Manager Ed Harrington Tours New CS Tunnel site

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) General Manager Ed Harrington toured the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel construction site on Thursday, February 18th.

Ed was joined by Regional Project Manager Husam Masri and New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel Construction Manager Sarah Wilson.

They toured the South Shaft site and discussed the progress of the tunnel boring machine (TBM), which has passed the half-way point in the tunneling process. The TBM is expected to reach the North Shaft site in March.

Pictured (left to right): SFPUC General Manager Ed Harrington, Construction Manager Sarah Wilson and Regional Project Manager Husam Masri.

Tunneling Reaches 50% Completion Milestone

Great News!

As of Friday, February 5th, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) has reached the approximate half-way point in boring the 4,200 foot long New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel.

After a few minor problems and delays in December, the TBM is now making great progress.

Tunnel completion is expected this Spring.

TBM Making Excellent Progress!

The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) boring the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel continues to make excellent progress.

As of Monday, January 25th, tunneling has progressed 1,715 feet out of approximately 4200 feet (41%).

The recent earthquakes in California and around the world are a good reminder that a major earthquake can (and likely will) strike the San Francisco Bay Area at any time. This new tunnel will help ensure water delivery and quality after a major earthquake.
Photo: TBM body and cutter head.

Pipeline Dewatering to Begin near Tartan Trail Road

In late January 2010, the SFPUC and its contractors are planning to drain a water pipeline located off of Tartan Trail Road in Hillsborough as part of the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel project located on Polhemus Road. Please see map for detailed location of work.

The dewatering of the pipeline is necessary for the eventual completion of a new critical pipeline to carry water under Polhemus Road and to ensure delivery of drinking water after a major earthquake.

What Neighbors near Tartan Trail Road Can Expect:
SFPUC and contractor crews will mobilize equipment in late January and park trucks on the existing gravel parking area off of Tartan Trail Road on SFPUC Right of Way property (please see map on reverse for location).
Dewatering will take place 150’ north of Tartan Trail Road and will take place 7 days per week. Crews may be on site 7 days a week between 7am and 6pm.
Overhead tree limbs will be moved for construction access and allowed to return to original position. Minor limbs may be removed to prevent safety issues. The dewatering site will keep wildlife from harm by installing an exclusion fence adjacent to San Mateo Creek.
Approximately six people will be on site daily for the first week, with fewer on site during the remainder of the work.
Dewatering activities will include use of a crane, trucks, a WhisperWatt generator and pumps. Water will be safely discharged into San Mateo Creek following all environmental guidelines as specified by regulatory agencies.
The use of equipment for this project is not expected to exceed noise limits established by the Town of Hillsborough. Mitigations for noise such as acoustical blankets will be provided if needed to conform to noise limits.
Activities will take place at this site into April 2010. Upon completion, crews will remove all equipment.

Tragic Earthquake in Haiti a Shocking Reminder to Store Water and Be Prepared

The devastating and tragic 7.0 earthquake in Haiti on January 12th is a shocking reminder for all of us to be prepared for a major earthquake to strike the San Francisco Bay Area at any time.

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least three days after a major disaster. Store additional water for houseguests and pets. Store water away from sunlight and heat and replace every six months. Learn more about getting prepared by visiting http://www.72hours.org/.

New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel Staffer Helping on the Ground in Haiti
Blake Rothfuss, a Lead Quality Assurance/Safety Inspector with Jacobs Associates on the New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel project in San Mateo is in Haiti serving as a Structures Specialist with FEMA's Urban Search & Rescue Team (USAR). His team checks buildings for victims and helps safely remove debris to access trapped survivors.