Healthcare Workers On Coronavirus Frontline Honored In Riverside

RIVERSIDE, CA — Every night for the rest of this month, a 91 Freeway underpass on the east end of Riverside will glow blue in a salute to healthcare workers on the frontline in the fight against the coronavirus.

"All across the country, communities are celebrating their workers who are serving in essential roles to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help those who have been stricken with the virus," Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey said. "I'm proud of our city for creating the Tunnel of Hope to thank workers delivering essential services during this unprecedented time."

The Mission Inn Avenue tunnel beneath the Riverside (91) Freeway, near Fairmount Park, is where the nightly lightings will occur.

"The blue light from the Tunnel of Hope shows our city is stepping up for the people who are stepping up for us," Councilman Erin Edwards said. "If you are getting food for your family in the downtown area, or picking up a prescription, be on the lookout for this beacon of hope."

The underpass is the longest one in the city.

Officials acknowledged that most commuters on the 91 will not be able to catch a glimpse of the blue lights, but other motorists using it to transition in and out of the city will be able to see them.
The city has erected signs around the location stating "Tunnel of Hope for COVID Frontline Workers."

Information about the city of Riverside's ongoing local emergency connected to the coronavirus, as well as resources for the public to utilize for the duration of the viral threat, can be found at www.RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19.

Current information on the pandemic from county health officials can be found at https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus.