Drilling Begins Tuesday for 710 Tunnel Technical Study

Updated 12:30 PM PDT, Wed, Jul 22, 2009

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ALHAMBRA, Calif. -- Workers will drill deep into the ground for soil samples and conduct underground seismic tests beginning Tuesday in Alhambra as part of the State Route 710 Tunnel Technical Study, Caltrans reported Monday.

The study, which began in June 2008, is being conducted to examine the possibility of building a tunnel to complete the route between the northern terminus of the Long Beach (710) Freeway and the Foothill (210) Freeway, said Maria Raptis of Caltrans.

"The study is being conducted in a route-neutral manner," Raptis said in a statement.

"This means that all reasonable and practicable alternatives for completing the route are being considered within the study area, which encompasses the cities of Alhambra, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, Los Angeles, Monterey Park, San Marino, South Pasadena and Pasadena," Raptis said.

"Information gathered during the study will describe soil and sub-surface conditions, and will determine the feasibility of building a tunnel to complete SR-710," Raptis said. "This study is not an environmental assessment."

Beginning Tuesday, drilling will take place within two general areas:

At Westmont Drive at Sherwood Avenue, where the drilling will be conducted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 14.

And at the Caltrans right-of way north of Valley Boulevard, near Westmont Drive and Front Street, where the drilling will be conducted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 12.

Other drillings and seismic tests will take place through May in other affected cities.

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