The Posey Tube is a 4,436-foot-long, precast reinforced-concrete underwater tunnel, completed in 1928 to connect Oakland and Alameda beneath the Oakland-Alameda Estuary. It carries northbound traffic along State Route 61, featuring two lanes and a narrow, 47.5-inch wide pedestrian/cyclist walkway. It is known as the first of its kind in the U.S read more

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The Posey Tube is the tunnel leaving Alameda, and heads to Oakland. Recently, traffic has been slowing down or just jammed up due to roadwork on the Oakland side. I heard about plans to do a major upgrade to the on ramps to I-880 and the roads leaving the Posey Tube. The roadwork hasn't been scheduled yet, but you can expect serious delays. I drive thru this Tube about 5-6 times a week. It's always dark, and you tend to lose radio reception underwater. I guess as long as it's not leaking water, we should be happy. Note: The Posey Tube is not named after Buster Posey, the baseball player. read more

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Yikes. I reminds me of leaving Alameda, which makes me sad, and always getting confused getting back on the freeway to get back to San Francisco. Why is it so confusing at the end? I like the ridiculous building atop it, but that's about it. read more

Initially gobsmacked that people are rating a fixed route that has few if any alternatives! Wow. Kind of like rating the Bay Bridge; go ahead, take another road & see how much longer it takes you. Seriously. It's just a tunnel that is most often the quickest way to get from Alameda to downtown Oakland or vice-versa via the other tunnel. If there is - God forbid - an accident inside, then one is forced to take a get-around route, which will take so much longer. yah I've been through it by car and bus, bus is better. People who tailgate or seriously exceed the speed limit are risking a quick trip to the hot place, or a ticket. So, obey the law. Surprise yourself. :-) read more

The nicer of the two tube options to transport from Oakland to the island. It's Buster's favorite as well.

The Posey Tube is a one-way underwater tunnel that gets you from Alameda to Oakland. This is a historical landmark. It was built in 1928. It is the second oldest underwater tunnel in the US. This tube is parallel to the Webster Street Tube, that is another one-way underwater tunnel that goes the opposite direction. The Posey Tube tends to have more traffic and a bit backed up, especially during peak hours. There is traffic on weekends as well. For all the Matrix movie fans - the car chase inside the tunnel scene from the Matrix sequel was filmed in the Posey Tube. That's pretty awesome. read more

Posey Tube - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Alameda, California

The Posey tube is a functional component of alameda. While historical, it still serves its purpose. It needs a serious facelift inside. But otherwise it's still doing its thing. read more

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I went with 3 stars over 4 for the Posey Tube, the one way driving tunnel from Alameda to Oakland. Yes, driving does back this tunnel up during peak hours. But if you want to walk or bike to or from Alameda to Oakland, this tube does offer a walkway for that. I biked a few times through this tube, it's barely wide enough for the handle bars and it's actually dangerous, you are going downhill and you pick up some good speed until you get to when you have to climb again. And it's also super smokey in here because of all the car exhaust. My advice, stick to driving through the Posey Tube!! read more

Posey Tube - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Alameda, California

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I am driving through this beautiful historical passage under the bay and I think to my self, why bother! Why check in? Driving and checking in could cause an accident. I live dangerously and do it anyway. My mind begins to wonder, should I write a review about my travels through this tube? Obviously not when I am driving but rather when I get a chance. Then that thought comes to mind again. Why bother? After all, I took careful thought in publishing several reviews during 2020, more than 2019 or 2018 and when badges were handed out I was left on the sideline wondering why coach kept me out of the game. This past year, 2020, was a tough year for business. Most restaurants and locations we would frequent were closed or doing take out only. Giving them props and what business I could give them was my way of helping. As you might guess this review is not about driving through the tube but rather my rant of not achieving a badge in 2021. If you took the time to read this far, I hope you were entertained. Is there such a thing as an outlaw Yelper? Perhaps it is in my future... read more

Wow...I never knew yelpers did reviews on the Posey Tube until I noticed some of my fellow yelpers were doing check-ins. What? Were they for real? I had to look it up and sure enough there were reviews on the Posey Tube. ("Lyle be damned".) All the times I was using the Posey Tube to go to Oakland - I could have had a bunch of check-ins...lol. I remember traveling from Alameda to Oakland via good old Agnes & Charlie (AC) #51 back in the days of attending College of Alameda in the early 70's and getting off at the first stop in Oakland. I even walked through there once, and that was it; never again. All the exhaust fumes from the vehicles were nauseating; and drivers honking their horns were enough to drive me "batty". That cacophony was brutal to my ears. The late 80's, the 90's and the early 2K's was a weekly daily grind, driving to work and/or using public transportation. When I started working in San Francisco in 2007, it was carpooling through the tube onto 880. That was okay. Some drivers and passengers were nice, but then there were a few that had attitude - too early in the morning to be in a bad mood. Finally, when my husband and I got a used car in 2012, he drove me through the tube to the Lake Merritt BART Station for my commute to San Francisco. The rating of the Posey Tube can range from as low as 2 stars to 4 stars, depending on traffic and the time of the day. It's a two star rating when there is an automobile accident, somebody's car has broken down and/or APD, AFD and the paramedics have to deal with an emergency in the tube. Traffic is backed up on Webster Street all the way to Santa Clara Avenue. When that type of situation arises, either one is sitting in bumper to bumper traffic or it's a drive across town to the Park Street Bridge to head into Oakland. Also, the worse time to drive through there is on weekdays from 7:45 AM to 8:30 AM. I can't even count the number of times that because of the delay I have been late for work. A two star rating is somewhat warranted when they close the tube around 9 PM to clean it and/or do renovation. Then one has to go across town to one of the bridges - Park, Fruitvale or High. Ugh! It's a four star rating when there is hardly any traffic in the tube and the ride from the west end of Alameda to Oakland does not take more than 15 minutes. It's smooth sailing then. Another plus and convenience is the bus ride to Oakland Chinatown from Alameda during the afternoon. Thus, there are good days just as there are bad days going through the Posey Tube. Taking the good with the bad, the range of the ratings averages out to a three star in my book. read more

Posey Tube - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Alameda, California

Lots of great attractions in alameda, but this one takes the cake! It's a great experience passing through and it connects alameda to Oakland. Not sure about the history, but I moved here summer '19 and it was here since I got here, so it's at least 8 months old as of today the 8th of March 2020. Can't wait to use it again connecting me to Oakland. "A bridge to the world -- the posey tube" -Trip read more

This review is the second and final entry in an exciting two-part series on the immersed tubes that connect the City of Oakland to Alameda Island in Northern California. Part 2: The Posey Tube (Alameda to Oakland) The Posey Tube, named after Alameda County surveyor George Posey, is a one-way tunnel that heads northbound from Oakland into Alameda. The entrance to the tube is nicer looking than the entrance to Posey Tube's sister tunnel, the Webster Street Tube. Inside, the look (dated), atmosphere (loud), and function (a simple tunnel to get you across the Oakland Estuary whether by car, bike, or on foot) of both tubes are essentially the same. There are ventilation buildings that sit on top of the entrance and exits of both tubes. All four buildings sport art deco architecture, but each tube's pair of buildings look distinctly different. The Posey Tube buildings remind me of an idyllic California high school or college building with its tan facade and slanted Spanish rooftops. All the California DOT needs to complete the look are palm trees. The Posey Tube is two lanes and I guesstimate it measures roughly 2/3 to 3/4 of a mile in length. It takes about a minute to drive through. Both sides of the tube have elevated pedestrian platforms which bicyclists can also use. There are guardrails and the platforms are narrow. I believe bicyclists are supposed to walk their bikes through the tunnel. The tunnel is lit and the walls are decorated in subway tile. There are call boxes inside the tunnel in case of emergency. The speed limit is 45 MPH, but people drive through way faster than that. There is no toll to cross. Traveling through is free. The tube isn't very clean, but it's in satisfactory condition. Before the Webster Street Tube opened in 1963, the Posey Tube carried two-way traffic into and out of Alameda. Since the Webster Street Tube's opening, the Posey Tube carries only northbound traffic (into Oakland) and the Webster Street Tube carries southbound traffic (into Alameda). The Posey Tube, which opened in 1928, is the second oldest underwater vehicular tube in America. The oldest is New Jersey/New York's Holland Tunnel, which opened a year earlier in 1927. Yes, I've reviewed it too (in 2015): https://www.yelp.com/biz/holland-tunnel-jersey-city?hrid=QYlcaYR2VtObezggTD9cjg. I hope you enjoyed this series. If you missed out on Part 1, yesterday's review of the Webster Street Tube, you can check it out here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/webster-street-tube-alameda?hrid=ve3COSh08tumNAtHOCdpYQ. read more

Lol this is on yelp? Four stars because my morning commute to oakland is pretty slow, but driving through here the rest of the time feels like I'm in an action movie. read more

Posey Tube has remained the same over the years, maybe a bit cleaner and brighter these days. it connects oaktown and alameda on the webster street side. decades ago, oaktown was dead for nightlife (]60-'70's), so oaktowners (and I )made a beeline for alameda's bustling nightclubs for cheap drinks and lotsa fun. after naval shipyard closed, so did the bars. (boo hoo). nowadays. i use the posey for -small shopping chores -going to the beach -visiting wine/antique shows of course, alemedans can use the posey now to access the bustling uptown district for entertaininment, dining, and boozong....... read more

This is my main thoroughfare on and off of the Island. It could be better. There is typically stop and go traffic Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Yikes!! It varies from day to day. The worst traffic ever is on the 1st Sunday of each month (because of the Antique Faire/Sale on the Naval Base) getting off of the Island. Avoid this route or expect at least a 45 minute delay. MOST IMPORTANTLY: I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE WALK OR RIDE THROUGH THE POSEY TUBE WITHOUT A MASK. The first and only time I attempted to ride my bike through the tunnel I almost had an asthma attack from the passing by cars SMOG/EXHAUST. THE NARROW SINGLE TRACK WALKING/RIDING PATHWAY IS COVERED IN BLACK SOOT AND DIRT. DO NOT USE THIS ROUTE IF IT CAN BE AVOIDED. I truly hope that one day the city will build a foot bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. read more

Posey Tube - build a bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Alameda, California

go through this tube every time we drive to Alameda. Interestingly there was a scene in the Matrix filmed in Posey Tube.

I hate this tube it does underwater and I'm scared of drowning. It's a joke of a tube and I would keep this short and sweet if yelp didn't make me write so much. read more

Friends, for #100 I bring you Alameda's finest: the Posey Tube and Webster St Tube! This supreme hotness is hella old and legit. The Posey Tube (Alameda to Oakland) is the second oldest underwater car tube in the US and was built in 1928, says wikipedia. Recognize! This charming website has many fun facts for you: http://www.alamedainfo.com/Posey_Tube.htm Everyone involved with this project has a name to be reckoned with. George Posey. Edw. S. Babue. "Drydock" Smith. These are people that can definitely dredge something. Yeah, the sign is wrong, it says built in 1927, which would make it the first tunnel. It adds to the charm! Also charming: the "reverse graffiti" written by wiping the grime off the walls of the tube. Toxic! Umm, did you know that parts of the Matrix series were filmed in this thing? Yeah, I know, awesome. The best part of the tube, though, is trying to hold your breath when passing through. NOT recommended for the driver! read more

... Yea, so you pretty much chip 20 minutes or so off your life when you bike (or God forbid.... WALK) thru this tunnel, but hey, it's not like you're supposed to you know! I love this thing. It & the Webster St. tunnel (but moreso this one since you can't walk/bike through the latter). NOTE: Don't, for any reason, touch the walls or the railing on the pedestrian path in this tunnel --- You will have thick tar-like dirt all over you! (i learned this the hard way). Still, all things considered, this historical tunnel & its counterpart are pretty awesome and get me over to Oaktown! Can't complain! read more

I use this tunnel pretty regularly (I used to live in Alameda) and have grown to love it and hate it. I have to admit that I tend to drive a little faster than the rest of traffic so I love flying through the tunnel, passing cars on my right and then merging right to make the turn to get on 880S towards SF (where 880 and 24 split) Maybe because I already know where I'm going, I don't pay attention to signs but I can't say that I've noticed signs to make it easy to pick lanes depending on where you want to go (880 vs downtown Oakland). I do have to say though that from a driver's perspective the bike/pedestrian lanes seem to be extremely narrow and 2 bikes headed in the opposite direction could not ride side-by-side if they were to cross paths. Just something to take note of if you'll be a non-motorist traveler. read more

Love this tube. Been coming thru it ever since my mom worked a NAS thousands of years ago when I was a youngn. I go fast through the tube then hella slow it down once I'm coming out of it. We all know Alameda Police don't play lol read more

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT. Posey Tube, a historical landmark, and a most direct connection between Oakland and Alameda. Newly opened In 'n Out Burger is one side, Chinatown on the other. It's only 5 miles and almost a straight line between Rockridge BART and downtown Alameda. 28" handlebars barely clear the raised walkway. Up ahead is a person riding a bike in the opposite direction. Bikes went upright, a nod of recognition, and gracefully on our ways. We've taken East Bay Bike Party through here and we've taken the lane to exhilaration when we have a numbered group of people riding bikes. The day we reach the potential of this tunnel and make it safe for alternative transportation like walking and riding bikes is the day that Alameda and Oakland's relationship city lifestyle strengthens. read more

Posey Tube - Elevated walkway, when the handlebars barely clear the curved soot/motorist pollution covered tiled walls and the distorted walkway pipes. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Alameda, California

Road review! Speed limit:45 mph/ 70 k/h Traffic is slow during rush hour and this tube stinks. Filled with smog in the air. Nothing too special. Only 2 lanes wide. No hov/carpool lane. This tube is toll free though. Cars ususally go like 50-65 mph when there is no traffic. Especilay not recomonded for hiking, pedrtions, skateboarders, cyclist, etc. read more

I laughed at the thought of rating a traffic tunnel, but really it is a historical area. The first time in the area, my husband had found out all the info on it, but what I found cool was the fact it takes you under the harbor and drops you in either Oakland or Alameda. It is quite a boundary line, when you think of it. Traffic coming through here is not too bad, but I was not the one leaving in morning rush hour, which my husband told me, it does back up. I can't rate it any higher just for the simple fact, if you break down you are pretty much stuck, there is no emergency lane, you are right on the walls and there is zero cell service in the tube. read more

I like the Posey tube because I reminds of a mini Holland Tunnel. I also like that you can ride you bike or walk through it. What I don't understand, however, is why can't you ride/walk on both sides of the tunnel. The 1 open walkway is very narrow, and it makes for a very unpleasant crossing when you encounter a person coming towards you in the opposite direction. It doesn't seem to me that I would be very costly to open the other walkway. A few simple security tweaks could provide for dedicated cyclist/pedestrian access in both directions. That would make the Posey tube a lot more convenient, practical and enjoyable..... read more

How exhilarating is it to be underwater? I am always exhilarated to come out of the end of this tunnel without traffic that's for sure! Usually traffic is not a problem from the Oakland to Alameda side, and the tunnel is quite short. Hate tunnels? Head south on 880 and you can reach the bridge instead. The problem with the tunnel is the Alameda to Oakland end. The exit brings you into the heart of Oakland Chinatown and on the weekends the tunnel gets backed up with traffic where you can go into a claustrophobic rage. read more

Beautiful architecture. Opened October 27. 1928 The Posey Tube is the second oldest underwater tunnel in the U.S. Always enjoy riding through it from Alameda side to Oaklands Chinatown. On June 23, 1992 The Posey Tube Portal located at 415 Harrison St., Oakland was designated Oakland Landmark #110. read more

Being newly relocated to the Bay Area I took my massage table the Posey Tube to see a client in Alameda. I thought, "Hey, it'll be pretty. Posies." Imagine my surprise.... As I rode my bike, with my trailer dragging my massage table down into the Tube, flecks of soot struck my eyeball and went into my mouth. I got a bad feeling. Ten seconds in and I wished desperately to get the experience on video for I knew I would never try it again. The curved tube amplifies the four lanes of traffic, whizzing by at about 50 miles per hour, to an incredible roar. The concrete raised path (which apparently is not for bikes) seems too near the wall somehow and my arm kept sliding along the tiles of the Tube. Thank Goddess these tiles are smooth, or else my arm would be more than just completely covered in black soot. Enjoy this tunnel, but don't try it by bike... read more

It's fun to go through a tube to an island. Sometimes traffic can be slow, but it's a tube! How futuristic!

I couldn't even begin to count the number of times I'd either blazed through the Tubes (or crawled, depending on the traffic) during my years in the Navy, homeported at Alameda NAS. I don't get many chances to transit them these days, but it's always a fun ride down Memory Lane when I do. The amount of soot/tar/gunk on the walls never ceases to amaze me -- would it even be POSSIBLE to completely clean them now? The Tubes are a convenient artery connecting downtown Oakland and downtown Alameda, but woe be to you if you get stuck behind an accident in there... read more

The Posey tunnel was a pleasant walk & excellent 'de-stresser.' The second oldest underwater tunnel in the U.S., I can check that off my bucket list. read more

I drive through this tunnel everyday to get to work. Due to the price of gas, I decided to start biking to work, I've always seen cyclists riding on the handrail path on the side. So when I got there, my jaw dropped as I realized how thin the path is for cyclists and pedestrians, and this path is supposed to accomodate traffic from both sides. I was too scared at first to ride so I started walking my bike, it wasn't long before an old man on his bike was trying to squeeze by me. When you're driving your car through the tube the ride seems like 2 minutes, when you're riding your bike it feels like 10 minutes. I was almost at the end when I saw a homeless man coming from the other direction. I had to lift my bike and hang it over the rail to pass by him. My arm hit the side of the wall and I got a nasty black grease streak on my arm. They definitely need to at least open one of the other paths to allow for more space. read more