Drivers and cyclists who frequent State Route 80 by Mule Pass Tunnel can now breathe a sigh of relief, courtesy of a series of fresh safety enhancements just completed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The once-dimly-lit tunnel near Bisbee is now aglow with energy-efficient LED lights, a move designed to sharply improve visibility for those passing through.
Efforts to further reduce risks on this stretch of road didn't stop at lighting. ADOT has worked to firmly ensure to eliminate any passing lane within the tunnel's confines, resulting in a single lane of traffic moving in each direction. Wide shoulders have emerged where danger once lurked, now doubling as bicycle lanes for the pedaling populace.
According to ADOT's announcement, these aren't the only perks for motorists. A new merging lane now smooths the way for vehicles entering from the Tombstone Canyon on-ramp, simplifying the merge into the flow of traffic on SR 80.
Indeed, the heart of the project was to dramatically improve safety, but the move also subtly acknowledges a commitment to environmental stewardship through the adoption of LED technology. A visit to the project's webpage offers a comprehensive breakdown of all work done in the name of safer travels.
