Drivers in Alameda and Oakland may face temporary road and tunnel closures over the coming months as unusually high tides raise the risk of coastal flooding, Caltrans warned Friday.
The agency is monitoring conditions along state Route 61, also known as Doolittle Drive, and state Route 260, which includes the Webster and Posey tubes, during several upcoming King Tide periods from November through February of next year.
King tides are exceptionally high tides that can cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Depending on conditions, temporary highway closures may be needed to protect drivers and road infrastructure.
The upcoming King Tide periods are Nov. 22-28, Dec. 20-27, Jan. 18-24 and Feb. 16-22.
No closures are currently scheduled, Caltrans said. Maintenance crews are coordinating with the cities of Alameda and Oakland to monitor conditions and prepare for possible flooding. If closures become necessary, the agency said the public will be notified through traffic advisories, email alerts and social media updates.
Caltrans is urging drivers traveling through the affected areas during the high-tide periods to plan ahead, watch for changing road conditions and allow extra travel time.