Lower Tunnel Trail officially reopened this week as construction activities for the Mission Canyon Stream Restoration Project was completed ahead of schedule, reports Southern California Edison (SCE).
Tunnel Trail is a popular hiking trail in Santa Barbara’s front country that leads to “Inspiration Point” overlooking the city and ocean.
The trail reopened to the public on Wednesday, earlier than projected. While ongoing restoration activities will continue in the Mission Canyon area, the project will not require further trail closures.
“We appreciate the continued coordination with city, county and environmental regulatory agencies, as well as patience from trail users and the broader community while SCE crews worked to safely restore the local area,” said Gabriela Ornelas, SCE spokesperson.
The closure began on September 8 and was expected to take up to three or four months to preserve public and employee safety.
SCE’s Stream Restoration Project is aimed at repairing and restoring the environment in Mission Canyon. Construction for the first phase began in July 2024 and was complete on November 9, 2024.
The first phase completed the removal of rocks and debris from roadside and canyon walls, stabilizing disturbed areas to prevent erosion, and revegetation activities.
This second phase will include the removal of rocks and debris from stream bed and banks, reconstruction and revegetation of stream habitats, and monitoring of restoration efforts.
In 2019, road grading and vegetation management by SCE crews generated unintended environmental damages.
Learn more about this project at sce.com/MissionCanyon .
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Cue the remarks about knowing your limits, hydrating, charging for rescue services and taxpayer funded kiosks and shuttles.
I hope all of those living along that stretch of Tunnel Rd. where people park to hike enjoyed the respite from traffic and mayhem.