Urgent Update: Clearwater Tunnel Conditions Stable After Inspection

UPDATE: Inspection teams have confirmed that conditions in the Clearwater tunnel are stable and intact following an urgent inspection conducted on December 8, 2025. The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts announced that the first three miles of the underground structure, which experienced a breach near the five-mile point under Western Avenue in San Pedro, are secure.

This inspection marks a critical step in the ongoing investigation into the breach that occurred over the summer, temporarily trapping 31 workers and halting the $630 million Clearwater Tunneling Project. The breach, located about 350 feet below street level, raised significant concerns about the structural integrity of the tunnel, which is intended to house larger wastewater pipes for the region.

Authorities report that Cal/OSHA has authorized a second phase of re-entry, allowing teams to inspect the tunnel within 150 feet of the breach area. This vital assessment will facilitate necessary repairs and recovery efforts. Drilling activities on Western Avenue near Fifth Street continue, aiming to evaluate the conditions above the breach.

Using advanced technology, including remotely operated vehicles and drones, crews have identified an empty space approximately 10 feet by 20 feet at the breach site, located around 310 feet underground. The drilling process, however, has faced challenges due to complex underground conditions.

Despite these obstacles, the inspection has detected no significant movement at street level, allowing work to proceed with extended hours. The tunnel boring machine, which remains trapped underground, complicates the situation, but officials remain optimistic about future developments.

The Clearwater project, which began in 2019 after more than a decade of planning, was progressing smoothly until the breach incident. The construction at Royal Palms Beach, where the project concludes, was suspended in August 2025 after the discovery of Native American artifacts, but has since resumed under the supervision of the State Historic Preservation Office.

The latest updates indicate that limited construction will involve drilling shoring piles, with full operations expected to resume soon. As the investigation unfolds, officials are committed to transparency, regularly updating the public via the Clearwater Project website.

Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed as monitoring efforts continue. The success of this essential infrastructure project is vital not only for wastewater management but also for the community’s overall environmental health.