Merriewood in Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Kennedy Tunnel

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 3, 2014

1. Kennedy Tunnel Marker

Inscription.
Opened in 1903, the timber-lined Kennedy Tunnel was the fast route between Oakland and Lafayette, saving four hours of driving around the San Pablo Reservoir. In 1914, it was wired for lights and renamed the Broadway Tunnel. In 1937, after the completion of the Caldecott Tunnel, the Kennedy Tunnel was closed to motor cars, allowing only foot, horses and two-wheeled traffic. In 1947, the timber lined tunnel was permanently closed due to repeated cave-ins and rising maintenance costs. It finally succumbed to nature in the late 1960’s and the median at the intersection of Old Tunnel Rd. and Skyline Dr. is the only remnant existing today.

The median still holds the original dedication plaque and flagpole.

Erected 2010 by E Clampus Vitus, Joaquin Murrieta Chapter No. 13.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.

Location. 37° 51.363′ N, 122° 12.836′ W. Marker is in Oakland, California, in Alameda County. It is in Merriewood. Marker is on Skyline Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5770 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland CA 94611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Emergency Preparedness Exhibit (approx. ¾ mile away); The Railroad History of Lake Temescal (approx. 1.1 miles away); John Muir School (approx. 1.7 miles away); Claremont Court Gate and Street Markers (approx. 1.7 miles away); Claremont Public Improvements (approx. 1.9 miles away); Star Grocery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Welcome to Wonderland (approx. 1.9 miles away); The Shepherd Canyon Corridor Plan (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.

The Kennedy Tunnel image. Click for more information.

via Oakland Wiki, unknown

2. The Kennedy Tunnel

The median referred to in the text is to the left.
Click for more information.

Kennedy Tunnel site image. Click for full size.

via Google Earth, 2019

3. Kennedy Tunnel site

The median, 2019

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 3, 2014

4. Kennedy Tunnel Marker

A dedication plaque is on the right.

Kennedy Tunnel Dedication Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 3, 2014

5. Kennedy Tunnel Dedication Plaque

Inter County Tunnel
built by
Alameda County
Contra Costa County
and
Merchants Exchange
Oakland, Calif.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,347 times since then and 182 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 15, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2, 3. submitted on January 8, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5. submitted on February 15, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.