Clearwater Tunneling Will Resume on Western Avenue
Drilling operations in San Pedro are set to restart on October 13 following a lengthy suspension caused by a 2025 breach.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Remote Work
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Starting October 13, 2026, crews will resume tunneling operations near the Fifth Street cul-de-sac in San Pedro. The work is part of the long-term Clearwater infrastructure project, which seeks to modernize a sewer system dating back to the 1930s.
Why it matters
The project is essential for replacing critical, aging infrastructure that serves the region. Resuming the drilling allows engineers to investigate ground conditions beyond the site of a July 2025 breach that halted work and stranded laborers 320 feet underground.
The Clearwater tunnel spans 7 miles from Carson to Royal Palms Beach, with resumed drilling operations scheduled to last at least two months. Daily activity will occur from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The players
Clearwater project
This is a large-scale infrastructure initiative designed to replace an aging sewer system spanning 7 miles.
The details
Drilling activities will necessitate the closure of one southbound traffic lane on Western Avenue for the duration of the work. Construction progress remains subject to potential delays caused by holidays or winter weather conditions.
Timeline
Work on the original system began in the 1930s.
The Clearwater project officially began in 2019.
A tunnel breach caused a work halt in July 2025.
Drilling is scheduled to resume on October 13, 2026.
The initial two-month drilling period concludes in December 2026.
Market Landscape
The resumption of the Clearwater tunneling project represents a significant step in replacing critical sewer infrastructure that has been in place since the 1930s. This activity signals a move toward overcoming the technical setbacks caused by the 2025 breach while continuing the broader modernization of regional utility assets.
Motorists traveling in San Pedro should prepare for consistent traffic delays due to the closure of one southbound lane on Western Avenue. Residents can expect these logistical impacts to persist for at least the next two months as the construction work continues.
The takeaway
This project highlights the complex challenges involved in upgrading aging subterranean infrastructure in densely populated urban areas. Residents should monitor local traffic alerts to navigate the area effectively while these necessary long-term improvements are underway.
What happens next
The initial phase of resumed drilling is projected to continue through December 2026, though timelines may shift due to weather or holiday scheduling.
Further reading
For more information on major infrastructure developments, visit Remote Work.
More information
For additional project updates and schedules, visit the Clearwater project information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Breeze.
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