East Bay students have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave their mark on a highway tunnel project.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, Caltrans is holding a contest to design artwork for the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore project. There's a slight catch for those interested in entering: the competition is only open to kindergarten through high school students from Contra Costa and Alameda counties. This is Caltrans' first architectural design contest in which students will be participating.
The art theme for the contest is based on classic art deco from the 1920's. The period is known for bold outlines and geometric shapes. Three winning designs from both counties will be selected by a panel of judges. The artwork will then be cast on six, 36-inch concrete medallions which will be hung above the entrance of the tunnel.
The $390-million Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore project is being built on Highway 24 between Oakland and Orinda. It will be located north of the other existing tunnels. Caltrans hopes it will alleviate traffic congestion by having 2 lanes going each direction.
The tunnel is scheduled to be completed by late 2013.
