Caltrans closed two lanes of westbound Highway 24 at the Caldecott Tunnel this morning around 11:00 a.m. due to the necessity to unclog drains that had become clogged in the tunnel.

The closure caused some substantial traffic backing up past central Orinda; however, traffic has thinned over the past few hours, and vehicles are moving at speeds close to the speed limit now.

The maintenance is expected to be finished by 2:30 p.m., at which time the lanes are expected to be reopened.