McClure Tunnel – State Route 1

Built: 1935
Location: On Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) in Santa Monica
Number: 53-0008 (LA-001-35.17)

USGS map showing the tunnel and surrounding area.

This tunnel was built to help ease traffic congestion along Pacific Coast Highway and allow for a better transition through the Palisades at Santa Monica Beach. Prior to the current tunnel, a smaller one had been constructed along the same path for the Southern Pacific Railroad line that went to the former “Long Wharf” in the late 1880’s. Today, the tunnel effectively continues the Santa Monica Freeway to the beach, though I-10 itself ends at Lincoln Blvd, a little ways east of the tunnel. It is also one of the longer tunnels in Southern California at 121′ in length.

West approach to the McClure Tunnel.

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