Hi Canie, et al;

One other hazard that has not been mentioned above in regard to tunnels is fire. Some years ago there was an accident between a semi and a car in the Caldecott Tunnel between Oakland and Orinda. This tunnel is very short, but near the top of a hill.

When the accident occurred a fireball of intense heat rolled both ways through the tunnel and many people were trapped, many were burned and some died. The tunnel was closed for more than a day until they got the wreckage out and weeks to months before it was repair for use again.

I cannot imagine a 15 mile tunnel and have this same sort of event occurring. Fire is far worse than an EQ, but in the case of a tunnel, being trapped for perhaps more than a week could mean certain death for those inside and if fire came with it, the death toll would be considerably high.

Canie, I support your thoughts on very good reason not to have such a tunnel. In California since the 40's roads have been built and expanded to such a degree that it has gone way to far and the more the build up occurs the more people are going to take up residence here. Making more room for commuters only increases the locations to reside and further need for more traffic thoroughfares.

Petra