Truckee making life better for pedestrians, cyclists
By Barbara Osborne, Sacramento Bee
Bicyclists and pedestrians who have braved Truckee’s infamous “mouse hole” tunnel on Highway 89, the busy route between Interstate 80 and Tahoe City, soon will have safer passage.
The 25-foot-wide, concrete arch beneath Union Pacific railroad tracks was constructed in 1928. It has no shoulders or space to accommodate more than two vehicles on Highway 89, which narrows from four lanes to two at the tunnel’s southbound entrance.
Despite a lighted “peds in tunnel when flashing” sign, it’s a treacherous spot for pedestrians and bicyclists. With a mobile-home park, college and shopping center nearby, the tunnel receives heavy use.