Federally funded by the Highway Enhancement Fund, lighting and curb modifications are just a few of the interim improvements that the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and city of Tombstone are working on together.

Linda Ritter, ADOT's public relations officer, said no date has been set for when the changes will get under way.

"This is going to take some time," Ritter said, adding that all improvements are still in the pre-design stages, and that studies are still in progress to determine the cost of any enhancement projects.

Another concern of the city is whether or not any improvements made to the area will diminish Tombstone's historical look.

"In working with the city of Tombstone Enhancement committee, there will be continuity with the other streets within Tombstone's historic district," Ritter said.

Currently, ADOT plans to install and upgrade the lighting system along Fremont, as well as move the curb closer to the highway to make space for a larger sidewalk and porch canopies along commercial buildings for an aesthetically historic look.

"The objective is to make Fremont a safer street for visitors and pedestrians," said Tombstone Mayor Dusty Escapule.

Escapule has delegated his management of the enhancement project to Marshal Larry Talvy and Alex Gradillas, director of Public Works, and is no longer hands-on with the plans.

Talvy cited limited resources—a lack of construction companies and money— as well as ADOT's increased workload around the state as reasons for delaying the project.

"The biggest thing is that we have interim solutions going on right now to be able to ensure that tourism doesn't get affected and pedestrians are safe," Talvy said.

The short-term solution of removing street parking on Fremont has pleased many, including 11-year resident Ron Lord, an actor in town.

"Ever since I've been here they have needed to make this change," Lord said.
Lord said he believes the changes are long overdue, especially since several pedestrians have been killed during his time in town.

Lord added that he is worried that it is going to take another five deaths for the city to put a priority on the additional improvements.

"Motorists think they can shoot through [Fremont Street] if they don't see a crosswalk," Lord said.

As a solution, there is a proposal to remove street parking in Tombstone so that the streets will be less clogged by traffic.

Leonda Evans, a resident of Tombstone, was not happy about the proposal and is concerned about tourists objecting to long walks.

"They changed too much," Evans said. "When visitors are here, you have to park so far just to get something to eat. It's ridiculous."

Lord said a shuttle could be installed so cars wouldn't be forced to park in town and the longer walk won't turn elder tourists away.