Lower Tunnel Trail has reopened to hikers and bikers as of Wednesday, after Southern California Edison finished construction for its Mission Canyon Stream Restoration Project.

The utility company initially said the closure, which started in early September, could last up to four months.

The restoration project addresses environmental damage caused in 2019, when crews unintentionally dumped debris into Mission Creek and its tributaries during road grading and vegetation management.

There have been road and trail closures in the area for this work over several years. However, this recent closure is expected to be the last, according to Southern California Edison spokeswoman Gabriela Ornelas.

She said there will be more habitat planting, maintenance and environmental monitoring in the area, but no more trail closures.

The lower portion of Tunnel Trail connects Tunnel Road to Santa Barbara’s popular Inspiration Point and other front-country trails.