Computer Glitch Delaying Doyle Drive Project Fixed, Completion Date Still Uncertain
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) – The computer glitch in the safety system that forced the cancellation of the opening of the new Doyle Drive tunnels last week has been fixed.
"There are deluge systems for fire suppression. There are carbon monoxide sensors. Linear heat detectors," said Molly Graham of the Presidio Parkway Project.
When they flipped the switch last month, Graham said, "They weren't functioning as they are designed to."
As a result, they had to hit the brakes on opening the final tunnels that are part of the new $1 billion roadway that runs through the Presidio National Park, to connect San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge.
"There are national fire protection codes that require carbon monoxide detectors, fire sprinkler systems, call boxes in the tunnels, emergency lighting, jet fans to evacuate the smoke in case of fire," project manager Peter van der Waart van Gulik said.
The manager said the system is all run by computers and that there are multiple backups.
Randy Rentschler of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission said from the $6.4 billion Bay Bridge, to the new Caldecott Tunnel, higher standards and new technology doesn't come cheap, nor does it always work first time out.
"People want all of the bells and whistles. They want state of the art, and when you do that there is going to be some teething issues," Rentschler told KPIX 5.
As for the cost, van der Waart van Gulik said, "That is really hard to determine now."
Now they begin the tests and drills, but the question remains: When is the next three-day window to get the road open?
"That is coming soon. People are looking at the different weekends that are available," Graham said.