Posey Tube Reopened ahead of schedule

The Posey Tube was entirely closed for repairs Monday, March 19, during the day and reopened at midnight, after causing major traffic problems not seen often in the City of Alameda.

The Oakland Public Works (OPW) Department began working to fix the road Sunday, March 18, after a sinkhole formed in the left lane just outside the Posey Tube on Friday, March 16. Authorities closed the entire tube at 10 a.m. Monday, to allow OPW to work on filling the sinkhole and restoring the pavement. Prior to that time, one lane of the tube remained open to traffic.

The sinkhole formed on the Oakland side of the Posey Tube leaving Alameda at Sixth and Harrison streets. Authorities believe recent rain and a failing storm pipe at the tube’s exit caused the sinkhole. The sinkhole caused major traffic problems in Alameda the entire weekend.

“When I went through the tube about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, no work was being performed,” said Alameda resident Paul Berning. “When I went through the tube about 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning, workers were just starting to remove the trench plate over the sinkhole. Traffic was backed up from the tube to Atlantic Avenue and further back on Saturday afternoon. At 11:45 a.m. on Sunday morning, it already was backed up to Atlantic. The back-ups affected Webster [Street] and all streets leading to the tube.”

The city sent multiple tweets and other alerts cautioning residents to avoid the Posey Tube and prepare for extra travel time, perhaps for the entire week. AC Transit officials rerouted several bus lines due to the repairs. The bicycle path in the Posey Tube remained open.

More serious traffic issues arrived during Monday afternoon’s commute. Residents reported gridlock on Park Street as motorists lined up for blocks to attempt to access the Park Street Bridge. 

“Every intersection on the east end backed up to Otis [Drive] practically,” reported resident David Sayen. “Because one two-lane vulnerable tube was inactive.”

The City of Oakland, Caltrans, AC Transit, Water Emergency Transportation Authority and the City of Alameda worked together to minimize impacts, communicate updates and complete the repairs as quickly as possible.

For more information, visit alamedaca.gov/alerts or www.facebook.com/cityofalameda.