It's official — months after the California State Legislature passed a resolution to rename the iconic Waldo Tunnel on U.S. Highway 101 in Marin after Robin Williams, the sign is finally up.
Assemblyman Marc Levine — who introduced the resolution to rename the rainbow-themed tunnel after the late actor and comedian who lived in Marin County — tweeted out a photo of the new sign, as did Belvedere resident Julie Wainwright, who started the name change petition.
"#RobinWillaims Tunnel is now official. Driving through the rainbow to or from San Francisco to Marin - remember Robin," Wainwright tweeted.
The tunnel is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, connecting San Francisco and Marin County on U.S. Highway 101. Approximately 100,000 motorists use the tunnel daily.
The sign change cost about $3,000 and was erected by Caltrans. The signs were paid for with private donations. Caltrans District 4 tweeted out: "Nanu Nanu! New R Williams Tunnel - US 101 at SF Golden Gate Bridge. First day of service."
Wainwright explained the reason behind the name change through a brief message on Change.org: "To remember and honor the very important citizen and world renowned entertainer, Robin Williams, for the joy he brought to the world and to bring awareness to the silent illness that eventually took his life."
Williams was sober and battling early stages of Parkinson's disease when he committed suicide at his home in Tiburon, his widow Susan Schneider said.
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The Waldo Tunnel was named after California politician William Waldo who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1853. The tunnel’s archways are painted in rainbow colors, which is why people sometimes call it the "rainbow tunnel."
The tunnel is reportedly featured in the Clint Eastwood film “Dirty Harry,” the Humphrey Bogart film “Dark Passage” and also plays a part in Williams’ 1999 film “Bicentennial Man.”
It's up!!! pic.twitter.com/3X7XmrJCKz — Marc Levine (@MarcLevine) March 1, 2016
Nanu Nanu! New R Williams Tunnel - US 101 at SF Golden Gate Bridge. First day of service. @CaltransHQ #RobinWilliams pic.twitter.com/w6OWyUJTrs — Caltrans District 4 (@CaltransD4) March 2, 2016
#RobinWillaims Tunnel is now official. Driving through the rainbow to or from San Francisco to Marin-remember Robin. pic.twitter.com/dOomiCnFe4 — JulieW (@RealRealJulie) March 1, 2016
R Williams Tunnel - US 101 Southbound at Golden Gate Bridge. First day of service. @CaltransHQ #RobinWilliams pic.twitter.com/kgvKAwWC6d — Caltrans District 4 (@CaltransD4) March 2, 2016
