From a purely engineering standpoint, you can't expect to chop two-thirds of the support base out of a structure the size of a sequoia without affecting its ultimate stability when it is stressed up by high winds. I visited it and drove our hire-car through the tunnel many years ago, but I believe that vehicle access to the tree road has been prohibited for many years, most probably on safety grounds, now justified. Still, it was a well-known landmark and famous around the world. Sorry to hear of its demise. I wonder if local luthiers are eyeing up the trunk for guitars?
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