Caldecott Tunnel to stay open during PG&E power shut-off

Crews work to connect generators in effort to keep the Caldecott Tunnel open to traffic during a possible power outage at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. Pacific Gas & Electric has cut power to more than half a million customers in Northern California hoping to prevent wildfires during dry, windy weather throughout the region. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) less Crews work to connect generators in effort to keep the Caldecott Tunnel open to traffic during a possible power outage at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. Pacific Gas & Electric has cut power ... more Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press Image 1 of / 37 Caption Close Caldecott Tunnel to stay open during PG&E power shut-off 1 / 37 Back to Gallery

After earlier indicating it would definitely be closed during PG&E's planned power outages set for Wednesday, Caltrans says the Caldecott Tunnel will stay open.

On Wednesday morning, Caltrans officials announced a closure had been averted. Caltrans said that four backup generators have been installed to keep the Caldecott Tunnel open which can provide power for up to seven days.

There was confusion for hours as mixed messages were circulated about whether or not the crucial Bay Area tunnel would shutter. Caltrans announced Tuesday evening they were "working through the night with our partners to provide power to both the Caldecott and Devil's Slide tunnels. Motorists can expect them to be open during the power shutdown."

The update came hours after Caltrans tweeted the were "preparing for full closures" of the tunnels.

Officials said the Tom Lantos Tunnel on Highway 1 will stay open after power was re-routed to the area.

At a PG&E press conference Tuesday night, the utility company said that was looking "to identify other opportunities for [PG&E] to be able to provide potential backup generation to those [tunnels] so that we minimize the impact," said Sumeet Singh, the vice president of Asset and Risk Management and Community Wildfire Safety Program at PG&E.

"We're trying to do everything we can, working with the entities to see if we can provide backup generation so we can continue to maintain service [to the tunnels], and that's the piece that we're still working to develop a solution on," Singh told reporters.

FULL PG&E SHUTOFF COVERAGE:

- Map shows Bay Area neighborhoods that will be without power

- PG&E map down? Here's an interactive NorCal power shutoff map that actually works

- Essentials to buy for PG&E's planned power outage

- Here's what you should (and shouldn't) do during a power outage

- When will my power turn off?

- Cal, Bay Area schools announce canceled classes, closure

Dianne de Guzman is a Digital Senior Editor at SFGATE. Email: dianne.deguzman@sfgate.com