The Longest Tunnel In Arizona Has A Truly Fascinating Backstory
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 06, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Arizona is home to many a tunnel, both natural and manmade. Papago Freeway Tunnel, located on Interstate 10 in Phoenix, has quite an interesting backstory. Despite being the longest tunnel in Arizona, it isn’t technically a tunnel at all—and not only that, but Phoenix residents were opposed to its construction anyway! Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Papago Freeway Tunnel, colloquially known as Deck Park Tunnel, is an underpass on Interstate 10 in downtown Phoenix.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, or ADOT, it's a series of 19 side-by-side bridge underpasses. However, locals began using the term "tunnel," so it was incorporated into the name.
Voters struck down the original plan to build it in 1975, and it wasn't until four years later that the proposal finally passed. The structure was opened to vehicular traffic in 1990—the open house attracted 300,000 people, despite its unpopularity in the beginning.
If you've ever driven through the tunnel, chances are you've noticed the two extra lanes in the middle.
These were designed to be an express transit terminal for city buses; however, Phoenix was unable to secure enough federal funding to complete the project.
The portion of the tunnel that remains in use features 10 lanes, five going in each direction.
Have you ever driven through the Papago Freeway Tunnel? If so, were you aware of its interesting past? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and check out our previous article for another man-made Arizona tunnel harboring an incredible secret.
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