Yosemite: reopening of Tunnel View Overlook
Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, today announced the completion of the restoration of the Tunnel View Overlook at Yosemite National Park, the first project of the National Park Service Centennial Initiative and a vista of one of the most photographed scenes on earth. Today’s ceremony, attended by hundreds, was modeled after the original dedication in 1933 with vintage automobiles, an honor guard, and a blessing by Native Americans.
Funding for the restoration came from the nonprofit Yosemite Fund, which contributed $1.8 million (USD) from over 2000 donors, and $1.5 million from the National Park Service.
The Tunnel View Overlook was hazardous as the result of traffic emerging from the Wawona Tunnel, a parking lot on both sides of the road, and photographers standing in a parking area to photograph the view. The Tunnel View Rehabilitation Project features unimpeded views, wheelchair accessibility, larger and safer viewing areas, a rebuilt trailhead, educational exhibits, restructured parking lots, and better patterns for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
As many as 7000 tourists a day visit the Tunnel View Overlook.
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