Historic Fourth Avenue in Tucson in Pima County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Historic Fourth Avenue Underpass
Constructed 1916 – Demolished in 2008
Tucson City Engineer ― J. Mos Ruthrauff
Design Engineer ― L. R. Walker
Contractor ― Bent Brothers
In 1913, in an effort to separate pedestrians, vehicles, bicycles and wagons from trains, the City of Tucson embarked on a major grade separation project to have Fourth Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Downtown Tucson, travel beneath the Southern Pacific Railroad.
The original underpass consisted of two 12-foot-wide lanes and 6-foot-wide raised pedestrian walkways on each side. The underpass was approximately 257 feet long so that it could carry up to eleven railroad tracks. The structural system was cast-in-place reinforced concrete skewed slab spans supported on concrete walls and columns. The underpass featured a classical revival architectural treatment with recessed rectangular panels cast into the walls. A series of 3-foot-high concrete posts, connected with heavy chains served as railings to separate the sidewalks from travel lanes.
Before being demolished in 2007, the original underpass was recognized as Arizona's oldest urban grade separated roadway and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Structures.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 32° 13.429′ N, 110° 57.945′ W. Marker is in Tucson, Arizona, in Pima County. It is in Historic Fourth Avenue. Marker is at the intersection of North Fourth Avenue and East 9th Street, on the right when traveling south on North Fourth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 395 E 9th St, Tucson AZ 85705, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fourth Avenue Underpass (here, next to this marker); Coronado Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Wyatt Earp Shot Frank Stilwell… (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Southern Pacific Railroad (about 500 feet away); Toole Avenue (about 500 feet away); Locomotive 1673 / Locomotora 1673 (about 500 feet away); Hotel Congress (about 700 feet away); Congress Street (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tucson.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,738 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 14, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.