Tunneling the Railroad

NOVEMBER, 1936 ARIZONA HIGHWAYS 7 Tunneling the Railroad Big Douglas Industrial Approach Project Includes Underpass; State Continues Grade-Elimination Program

AS THIS is written plans are nearing completion for formal dedication, November 7, of the $300,000 Douglas underpass and industrial approach project. Dignitaries from all over the state are to attend the ceremony officially oping one of the most outstanding grade elimination projects in the Southwest.

The underpass is the heart of the project which involves highway widening, sidewalks, and the construction of two bridges. Tunneling beneath four tracks of the Southern Pacific railroad, the project continues to the Phelps-Dodge smelter on the outskirts of the city. The area served once presented tremendous hazards to life and limb.

The memory of old Chief Cochise, honorable Indian of the early days, is perpetuated in bronze on the parapet walls of the underpass. Symbol of the beginning of Arizona progress, the head of the old chief greets motorists above the word, "Douglas."

The striking feature of the underpass is the perfect design and execution in masonry. Designed by Ralph Hoffman UNDERPASS FACTS 17 carloads of cement or 17,000 sacks. 305,000 pounds of steel reinforcing. 3 carloads of lumber or 120,000 board feet, (1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, 12 inches long.) 2,200 feet of storm drain. $123,000.00 approximate cost. 55 cars of material.

MEN Approximately 85 men, mostly local. Payroll, $7,000 per month.

DETAILS OF TUNNEL AND PASS Over all length 600 feet. Covered section, 96 feet. Two 25-foot wide lanes for traffic. 4 railroad tracks over top. 2 pedestrian tunnels with stairway up to depot. Bronze plaque of Cochise, 2 feet in diameter. Drain will handle all but a huge flood. Easy for average man to clean. At one end there is a 7½ per cent grade and at the other an 8 per cent grade.

R. A. Hoffman, designer. Jack Gilbert, supervising engineer for highway. J. A. Casson, contractor.