Clearwater Tunnel Inspection Finds Stability After Breach

UPDATE: The Clearwater tunnel in San Pedro has been confirmed stable following a critical inspection on December 8, 2025. This urgent development comes after a breach occurred about 5 miles into the underground structure, temporarily halting work on the ambitious $630 million Clearwater Tunneling Project, which aims to upgrade wastewater management for the region.

Inspection teams from the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts gained access to the tunnel for the first time since the incident, allowing them to examine the first 3 miles of the underground system. Officials reported that conditions in this section are “stable and intact,” paving the way for Cal/OSHA to authorize a second phase of re-entry, bringing teams within 150 feet of the breach site for further investigation and necessary repairs.

Drilling operations continue on Western Avenue, where crews are assessing the conditions above the breach located approximately 350 feet underground. Initial findings reveal an empty space measuring around 10 feet by 20 feet at the breach site. The ongoing investigation employs state-of-the-art technology, including remotely operated vehicles and drones, to ensure safety and gather data about the tunnel’s integrity.

According to the latest report, the drilling activities face challenges due to the underground conditions, but work is expected to intensify with extended hours to expedite the assessment. Monitoring efforts show no significant movement at street level, alleviating some concerns about surface safety.

This incident has grave implications, as the breach led to the temporary entrapment of 31 workers, though all were safely rescued with only minor injuries reported. The tunnel boring machine remains trapped just ahead of the breach, emphasizing the urgency of repairs to resume the project.

Originally launched in 2019, the Clearwater Tunneling Project has been over a decade in the making, requiring extensive planning and community outreach. The breach, which occurred below Western Avenue near Fifth Street, disrupted progress on the last leg of the tunneling journey, a crucial component for upgrading regional wastewater pipes.

Work at the endpoint, Royal Palms Beach, was also suspended in August 2025 due to the discovery of Native American artifacts. However, the State Historic Preservation Office has since authorized construction activities to resume after a thorough five-month archaeological investigation, with limited drilling work expected to start soon.

Officials emphasize that the existing smaller wastewater pipes remain operational, assuring the public that current infrastructure is still capable of handling sewage flow as the Clearwater project moves forward.

As the situation develops, updates on drilling activities and tunnel conditions will be provided on the Clearwater Project website. Authorities urge residents to stay informed as investigations continue to restore full functionality to the vital wastewater system serving the region.