The work on closing the tunnel is almost done, but remains such that when the dam construction comes back online, in a newly designed and engineered plan, it can be re-opened.
Channel project nearing completion
Finishing touches under way on river restoration
By: Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Just under a month after water started flowing again on a restored American River channel through the Auburn dam site, finishing touches are under way.
One of the major final projects was installation of steel beams on the face of the half-mile-long diversion tunnel that had channeled water underground through the canyon's dam construction area since the early 1970s.
While dam construction was halted nearly 30 years ago, the tunnel had continued to channel the river's water away from its natural stream course - and left the area dangerous and off-limits to boaters.
Just under a month after water started flowing again on a restored American River channel through the Auburn dam site, finishing touches are under way.
One of the major final projects was installation of steel beams on the face of the half-mile-long diversion tunnel that had channeled water underground through the canyon's dam construction area since the early 1970s.
While dam construction was halted nearly 30 years ago, the tunnel had continued to channel the river's water away from its natural stream course - and left the area dangerous and off-limits to boaters. …
While the closure of the diversion tunnel represents a current change in direction, the work has been undertaken with the idea that the tunnel could one day be re-opened as part of a revived Auburn dam project.
