HOUSTON -- Big rigs will soon be banned from the tunnel that connects Pasadena to Jacinto City under the Houston Ship Channel, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

Trucks have used the Washburn Tunnel alongside cars since it was built in 1950, but some drivers said it is too dangerous to have both inside at the same time.

"If a car follows behind an 18-wheeler and something falls off, it's going to hit the car, right?" asked driver Deborah Rideaux.

Some drivers said the combination of narrow lanes and big trucks can be terrifying.

"I start going in there, I hold my breath until I get out of there because sometimes it's scary," said Irma Casas, who drives through the tunnel several times a week.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia Garcia agreed that there is a safety issue. After conducting traffic studies, she decided to restrict the vehicles that travel through the tunnel.

Crews have picked up rocks, pieces of metal and a mud flap this week.

Earlier this week, the tunnel had to be shut down for an hour during rush hour while a sweeper cleaned up spilled gravel.

"At least once a day we're out there," Assistant Deputy Commissioner Gail Miller said.

Starting Monday, only two-axle vehicles will be allowed through.

"I think it's great for me," motorist Chris Villarreal said. "I go by there to take my kid to day care every day."

Each year there is extensive damage caused by trucks scraping along the walls or crashing into the archways.

"We want a safe tunnel," said Miller. "We want to keep it from falling apart."

Trucks with more than two axles will have to find alternate routes, but the commissioner's office said the truckers have plenty of options, including the 610 Loop and the Beltway 8 bridge.

School buses, emergency vehicles and mail delivery trucks will still be allowed through.

Trucks in violation will be given warnings.