San Francisco Commuter Tunnel

01 Mar, 2026

Wide shot photo of location of plaque Closeup photo of plaque

University Ave and Seawall Dr.

On this spot, built in 1917, the County of Alameda built the first underground passage to San Francisco. Engineers built a 9.5-mile corridor under the bay to accommodate the extra traffic of Berkeley residents commuting to San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. The tunnel was finally closed with the opening of the Bay Bridge in 1936.

Thanks to KS for submitting this plaque and photo!