Camelback Road Pedestrian Tunnel Multi-Cache
Camelback Road Pedestrian Tunnel
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This is a 2 stage cache:Part 1 is only the coordinates to part 2.Part 2 is a .... with a log sheet inside.Bring you own writing stick.
More on the tunnel:Biltmore tunnel set to open May 5
Kellie Hwang
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 20, 2007 04:26 PM
Biltmore shoppers can soon feel protected from oncoming traffic while crossing Camelback Road.
Construction for the pedestrian underpass that cuts through busy Camelback Road from the Camelback Esplanade to Biltmore Fashion Park is nearly complete. A grand opening ceremony is May 5.
The $6 million project that started last April was originally estimated to take 11 months. City officials say the busy holiday shopping season, bad weather and the P.F. Chang's Rock n' Roll Marathon were factors that caused the delay.
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"We really appreciate the partnership with neighbors and the public for putting up with the inconvenience," said Tony Humphrey, project engineer for Phoenix. "It took a little longer than anticipated but we are finally on our way to finishing the job."
More than 90,000 cars and 2,000 pedestrians pass through the intersection of 24th Street and Camelback Road a day, making it a bustling area.
After several people were injured in that area trying to cross Camelback, the project finally got the go ahead. The biggest impetus came after a drunken driver killed a 13-year-old girl.
A bridge considered
City officials looked at several options for the solution. A bridge would provide pedestrians with a feeling of openness, but would face strict city compliances and construction of the base would be very expensive. A tunnel would provide shade during hot summer months but safety and lack of light became a concern.
The final product is a compromise that engineers believe will leave pedestrians satisfied.
"I'm impressed that we used the word tunnel because it doesn't feel like you are going in a tunnel - that you are underground," Humphrey said. "We wanted to have an open air feel and light coming into the tunnel that is an environment people feel comfortable it, and I think we have achieved that."
Measuring at 85 feet long, 30 feet wide and 8 feet tall, the underpass was accomplished by what assistant director of street transportation Pete Johnson calls "a balancing act." The engineers raised Camelback Road by six feet and dug another six feet.
As a result the road in front of the shopping area, over the tunnel, creates a slope. There has been a case or two of individuals complaining about the visibility issue and that it can be difficult to see cars coming.
"The wall barrier heights are built to the standards," Humphrey said. "During the design process all those things were considered and we worked to meet the safety guidelines for visibility for vehicles entering."
Humphrey said that speed is also a factor and drivers going over the speed limit of 35 miles per hour could increase the danger. He said if there were major concerns when the tunnel actually opens, the city would be quick to react.
Design of the tunnel
The design of the tunnel is focused every bit on aesthetics as it is functionality. Designers made sure the project's appearance would integrate harmoniously with high-end Biltmore and Esplanade.
Colorful tiles line the arched ceiling with a skylight providing a centerpiece. The ground is being set with terrazzo flooring.
Clear glass tiles cover both walls backlit with two rows of lights, one that will bounce off the white walls and the other that will illuminate the ceiling to provide maximum lighting.
Both tunnel entrances have a wide plaza area giving pedestrians plenty of space to move about and eliminating any blind spots, which was another public concern for walkers. Slanted ramps take Biltmore shoppers up to both sides of Camelback Road. The outside walls of the tunnel are covered with trellises for vines to grow and lamp posts jet up from the road level to illuminate the whole area.
When asked about potential skateboarders using the area as playground, Johnson doesn't think it will be an issue.
"Both Biltmore and Esplanade have made a commitment to security and there will be regular policing," Johnson said. "Some might try it once, but it really isn't that kind of neighborhood."
In the long run, the project doesn't only provide pedestrians a safe pathway but officials believe it would encourage them to use their cars less.
"Phoenix needs to become a more pedestrian and bike friendly city," Humphrey said. "This is an area where 90,000 cars go through on a daily basis but frankly people should be walking."
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