Metro/Cal Trans is dead set to build this tunnel in Pasadena, which would connect the 710 northbound to the 210 freeway. The Long Beach and Los Angeles Ports are being expanded to accommodate the larger ships which bring goods into southern California. Japanese companies have already spent billions of dollars for newer/larger berths to lade their ships in our ports. Just about all of our electronics, iPhones, computers, iPads, etc. bound for the west coast come in through these ports, along with millions of other items. Apparently we are competing with the Panama Canal, the work of which has stalled due to disagreements.
Out of the top 50 world ports, Los Angeles and Long Beach rank16th and 23th respectively. From the ports, huge semi-trailer trucks take the goods throughout our country, and up into Canada.
It is estimated that finishing this 710 connector may add 80 semis per day into our cites. And because a $5-$10 toll is expected for each vehicle using the tunnel, one can expect that many drivers will balk at the cost. These semis and cars will still be using our streets, through neighborhoods and shopping areas.
Big Bertha is currently stalled in her tunnel in Washington. To what surprises can we look forward, with earthquakes, underground water, and sandy soils in the construction area?
Metro is known for their cost overruns. They are partnering with CH2M hill, an engineering company which has been involved in enormous fraudulent business dealings amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars in fines to the company world wide.
Not only will CH2M hill be involved in the engineering work, but the company was involved in studies for the feasibility of this disaster.
We may be entering a new phase of our own Big Dig debacle.
Heaven help us. Our beautiful Eden is disappearing.
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