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Long Beach to install steel fencing at historic Jergins Tunnel
The city of Long Beach is installing a permanent steel barrier at the historic Jergins Tunnel to prevent trespassing and unauthorized encampments. The 181-foot-long passage, located under Ocean Boulevard, has been closed to the public for decades, but individuals have bypassed wooden boards to use the space for shelter.
Since 2022, unlawful encampments within the tunnel have triggered at least four fires. These blazes have left charred belongings and bedding on the tunnel's historic mosaic floors. City officials stated the new heavy-duty fencing is intended to “improve site security, reduce the potential for vandalism and fires and help protect the structural integrity of the tunnel.”
The project has an allocated budget of $156,200, though total costs may shift. Construction is expected to be completed by late September.
Entities
Andrew Jergins · Jergins Tunnel · Jocelin Padilla · Laath Martin · Long Beach
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The installation is expected to be completed by late September. offthepress.com · laist.com · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Jergins Tunnel was built by Andrew Jergins in 1927. laist.com · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The tunnel is 181 feet long and 30 feet wide. laist.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The city has allocated $156,200 for the steel fence project. offthepress.com · laist.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Unlawful encampments in the tunnel have triggered at least four fires since 2022. offthepress.com · laist.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The steel fence is intended to improve site security, reduce vandalism and fires, and protect the tunnel's structural integrity. offthepress.com · laist.com · nypost.com