The Queen Creek Tunnel on US 60 east of Superior now has a LED lighting system, making it Arizona’s first tunnel to have this innovative and energy-saving technology.

To clean the tunnel’s walls and ceilings after this installation, US 60 in the area will be closed in both directions for six hours every night beginning the evening of Monday, Oct. 10, and ending early Friday, Oct. 14. The closures, which are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. and end at 4 a.m., will be in effect between Superior at milepost 226 and Oak Flat at milepost 231.

The Queen Creek Tunnel on US 60 east of Superior in Arizona, U.S. is receiving LED lighting installations. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Transport Department)

The closure points allow commercial trucks to turn around and will avoid stopping traffic on the steep grade closer to the tunnel.

An alternate route connecting with US 60 in Superior and Globe is along State Route 77 and State Route 177. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, may want to consider taking State Route 87 and State Route 260 through Payson.

The new lighting system will improve visibility in the tunnel, which was built in 1952, by using an adaptive control system that will adjust the lighting level based upon ambient light and weather conditions outside. It will also save money on electricity and reduce the need for maintenance.

ADOT secured a $1 million federal grant in 2014 to help fund this project.