On Monday, the media got to take a look at the progress of the 1.7 mile, new subway line which has cost $241 million to build. People aren't supposed to walk in the subway tunnels of course, but the tracks haven't been laid down yet.
always weary when they hand this stuff out before an assignment pic.twitter.com/o9K99DubBO
— Wayne Freedman (@WayneFreedman) May 18, 2015
In 2019, San Francisco's light rail T line will be running through this tunnel and another just like it. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee was at the event, along with many of the people who help design and build these projects.
On-site engineer Munn Leong admitted he has spent more time underground than he has at home. Leong a Concord resident, and father of two, who has helped turn plans into concrete. He's been on this project since 2012.
#SFMUNI Take a look inside SF’s Central Subway tunnel. This is the north bound tube…one of two. A marvel pic.twitter.com/EPOJ2CHSDA
— Wayne Freedman (@WayneFreedman) May 18, 2015
Program director John Funghi has been working on this project since 2006. He told ABC7 News he thought it was quite peaceful underground.
The bore has an S-curve and elevation changes. The bore has a diameter of roughly 18 feet on the inside, with the concrete measuring 11 inches thick.
#sfmuni your $241,000,000 at work. Hopefully, it’ll ease traffic. pic.twitter.com/G6D424KSvt
— Wayne Freedman (@WayneFreedman) May 18, 2015
Tunnel people take certain parts of the job for granted. The tunnel is 1.7 miles and at one end, they had to hit a bullseye, four-inches wide and they say they were on the button, within an inch.
#SFMuni That’s Munn Leong, the on-site engineer, who befriended us and took us about one mile inside. Alone. pic.twitter.com/6REJRinCH7
— Wayne Freedman (@WayneFreedman) May 18, 2015
It's an achievement most passengers will never consider when traveling through the tunnel for the next 100 years, and probably more. Among these riding the line will likely be Leong's kids Emily and Ethan. He brought them to the site one day and they said they thought it was cool that their dad builds tunnels.
This will be another ho-hum, out of site and mind, engineering marvel beneath the city.
#sfmuni Had to to this with photographer Phil Desmangles. Memorable day. pic.twitter.com/7dVSc65K0u
— Wayne Freedman (@WayneFreedman) May 18, 2015
#sfmuni Speaking subterranean SF Shoots...where was this in 1982. Hint. The nickname is 'Bridal Falls' pic.twitter.com/vRcvvFEHeU
— Wayne Freedman (@WayneFreedman) May 19, 2015