Gates Pass
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Gates Pass is a scenic route in the area of Tucson, Arizona. The road is a continuation of West Speedway Boulevard in the city, which assumes the name Gates Pass after passing North Camino De Oeste. From there, it continues until it reaches Kinney Road.
The road is lined with scenic overlooks, and is an area where locals and tourists come to watch the sunset.[1].
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[edit] History
The road through Gates Pass was started in 1883 by Thomas Gates, in a search for a shortcut through the Tucson Mountains; Gates was a local pioneer, and a saloon and ranch keeper[2]. He purchased the land in order to build this road.
Currently, the road carries approximately 3100 cars daily[3].
[edit] Safety
Gates Pass has been considered an extremely dangerous road due to a slope that occurs midway through the route, with 58 wrecks reported between 1996 and 2001[4]. In 2006, a project was undertaken to improve the safety of the road, which included widening and a temporary closure. This project was named the third best road project in the country for the year 2006 in Roads and Bridges Magazine.[5].
Though the changes have improved safety, a man was killed in a rollover accident on March 17, 2008 while driving along Gates Pass.[6].
[edit] External links
- Gates Pass on Google Maps with Street View mode
- YouTube video of ride along Gates Pass
- Gates Pass area neigborhood association
[edit] References
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