Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

WHY IS THE ARCHED (PORTAL) ENTRANCE TO THE WALDO TUNNEL LOCATED JUST NORTH OF THE BRIDGE IN MARIN COUNTY PAINTED AS A RAINBOW?

April 26, 2017arched bridge County entrance located Marin north portal tunnel waldo

0

10 Posted

WHY IS THE ARCHED (PORTAL) ENTRANCE TO THE WALDO TUNNEL LOCATED JUST NORTH OF THE BRIDGE IN MARIN COUNTY PAINTED AS A RAINBOW?

1 Answer

0

10 Posted

A Caltrans engineer came up with the idea in 1970. The late Alan Hart, who was the former director of the San Francisco District of Caltrans, then known as the State Division of Highways, ordered the rainbow look. Because they are visible from homes, the portals on the north side of the tunnel remain unadorned. Caltrans crews have maintained the rainbow paint job ever since. On October 1, 2009, Caltrans workers began repainting the Waldo Tunnel’s fading rainbows, bleached by years of sun, wind and fog. Fresh coats of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet were applied. Belinda Hallmark, an architectural color and finish consultant from Novato, donated time to assist Caltrans in selecting the paint for the refreshed rainbow. And Marin Color Service Inc., where Hallmark works part-time, donated the Benjamin Moore “Aura” brand exterior paint for the project.