I’ve always had an interest in old highway alignments, especially when there are bridges or tunnels involved. Almost 20 years ago, in February 2007, I set out on a little adventure in my hometown to check out a tunnel that was originally commissioned around 1927 as part of Highway 91. At the time, it connected the towns of Washington and St. George, Utah underneath a red sandstone hill.

Here’s a Google Maps illustration that I highlighted showing the old route.

Over the years, the tunnel has gone by a few names, including Bigelow Tunnel, Middleton Tunnel, and Washington Tunnel. The Washington County Historical Society has collected and shared some data about its history and use. Also, Gribble Nation has been a great resource in assembling photos and information. The tunnel measured 230 feet in length and had relatively low clearance. Stories have circulated about oversized trucks getting hung up on the ceiling and blocking traffic for hours at a time.

In 1954, the tunnel was bypassed, and Highway 91 relocated, when a cut was made through the mesa just a little bit south. Finally, around 1970, Interstate 15 overtook Highway 91 entirely and it remains the major artery through Washington County today. The interstate sees on average about 30,000 vehicles per day, serving as a link between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.

Anyway, back to my 2007 visit. Tunnel access was blocked on the west side by a chain-link fence and a storage lot, but the east opening was completely open and had an old Dodge truck out front. At the time, I hadn’t researched who owned the space, so I certainly had no business rooting around in there, especially if the tunnel was structurally compromised. My curiosity got the best of me, so I ventured inside.

To my surprise, there were classic cars being stored inside — and not just any classics, but two 1968 Chevrolet Camaros covered with thick layers of dust.

One of them, a convertible, was pretty picked-over and rough, but the blue SS-badged coupe looked relatively complete. Also parked inside the tunnel were a Toyota pickup and another vehicle under a cover. That was as far as my investigation went — just far enough to satisfy my curiosity.

Five years later, in 2012, I stopped by again. This time, there was a fence on the east end. I was able to access the west opening, and it was walled off with a roll-up door.

I can’t help but wonder what kind of stuff is being stored in there now. Maybe the Camaros are still collecting dust.