Baker-Barry Tunnel Closing for Renovation in Early January

MARIN COUNTY, CA – The Baker-Barry Tunnel, a primary route to the Marin Headlands, is expected to close for an extended preservation project beginning Monday, Jan. 2, the Marin County Sheriff's Office has announced.

The tunnel will be closed seven days a week through early May to all users, including vehicles and bicycles, the Sheriff's Office said Nov. 21.

Additional one-day closures will be scheduled in December for pre-project inspections.

The Federal Highway Administration notified the National Park Service this week of the intended closure dates. The project was previously anticipated to begin in October 2016. Exact dates, times, and date ranges are subject to variation with advance notice.

The National Park Service has established a web page for project updates: http://go.nps.gov/tunnel, including: an upcoming traffic management plan from the Federal Highway Administration; suggested times to visit the Marin Headlands to avoid peak congestion; and alternative locations for Golden Gate Bridge photography.

The Baker-Barry Tunnel preservation project plans to bring safer surfaces and better lighting to the historic tunnel.

Current cracks and leaks in the tunnel result in a slippery film of sediment that creates a safety hazard for vehicles and bicyclists. A new tunnel LED light system will reduce energy use by an estimated 40% and create better illumination in the tunnel for vehicles and bicyclists.

The project will also replace water and sewer lines mounted in the tunnel. The outdated water and sewer lines are subject to frequent breaks, resulting in tunnel closures.

Map via National Park Service