Say goodbye to the graffiti splashed walls under Missoula's Orange Street Underpass.

Wednesday is cleanup day.

Missoula's city parks and recreation workers and volunteers will be scouring the tunnel's walkways,.

The Orange Street Highway Underpass is an introductory landmark for anyone coming into Missoula off Interstate 90.

The public art murals that adorn exterior walls will stay.

But the graffiti pedestrians and bicyclists find on walkway walls inside, will be gone.

"We're going to paint them bright white," said Parks and rec specialist  Jason Pignanelli, " we'll be cleaning out the tunnel, all the debris and glass."

There's some broken glass inside. It makes cyclists nervous. You don't want to walk barefoot.

Graffiti artists have been busy for a long time. Just about every inch of both walkways are covered with somebody's art or message.

"On Wednesday," said Pignanelli, " for our volunteer day we'd appreciate as many hands out here painting as possible."

Some people like the graffiti. But many don't.

Women especially, aren't always comfortable using the walkways.

It is dark, and about 300 feet long. So it can feel lonely in the walkway.

The Montana Department of Transportation has repaired light fixtures.

There will be an ongoing maintenance plan. Parks and rec, a police graffiti task force, the business improvement district clean team, and volunteers will continue to monitor the tunnel.

Volunteers are welcome to report for work at the underpass at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Paint will be provided. But if you have your own roller or roller pan, it would be appreciated.

For more information contact Missoula City Parks and Recreation.

Talk to Jason at 552-6271.