Tunnel under George Street could become decorated walking path next summer

Two city committees in La Crosse are in support of a beautification project for a tunnel under a busy bridge on the north side.

The Garden Pathway project calls for painting a mural inside the tunnel beneath the George Street viaduct. The idea is to have pedestrians use the tunnel to connect the Kane Street community garden and housing located east of the bridge.

Organizers expect the painting project to be done in June and July of next year. They hope the artwork will last for at least 10 years before repairs are needed.

Kids and families living near the George Street viaduct would be invited to help paint a mural inside the tunnel.

“That’s actually a tunnel that I’ve gone through as a kid,” arts board member Nhouchee Yang said. “I have remembered being from the north side, going through, like, ooh, it’s a dark tunnel, and it’s kinda scary.”

The tunnel connects the Kane Street Garden, west of George Street, and the Schuh Mullen neighborhood on the east side. The cost of improving the tunnel is estimated at around $3,000.