Replacement of the Upper Pinal Creek Bridge (also known as “Connie’s Bridge”) is now moving into the design phase.

Recently a series of public input meetings were held virtually, with additional feedback received via Facebook. According to Rick Powers, of Rick Powers Consulting, the main objective of the meetings was to; 1) inform the public of the upcoming project, 2) show the recommended preliminary location layout, and 3) determine if there was any opposition to the recommended bridge location. Based on the input received during the public comment period, the proposed location of the bridge was accepted.

“The initial phase of the project reviewed traffic data to determine how traffic flows through the intersection and to determine the number of lanes and to allow the safest, most effective movement of traffic today and into the future,” said Powers. “Detailed drainage and flooding models were developed to assure the bridge can handle the required flows, which it can.”

Alternative crossing locations were also analyzed for the new bridge. The final location met the majority of the criteria for engineering, environmental, cultural, hydrological, minimal impacts to utilities, intersection alignment, railroad crossing, economic impacts and public safety. Concept drawings were completed for the proposed location, presented to the public and discussed in detail with stakeholders. These stakeholders include those directly impacted by the project, such as the railroad and utility owners, Connie’s Store, other local businesses, and immediate neighbors.

Powers added that there was an overwhelming amount of support for the proposed location, including the utility companies and the railroad. “Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the project is moving forward,” said Powers. “Since the funding is from the State of Arizona General Funds, the legislature is closely monitoring the progress of the project.”

The project is now moving into the design phase which will involve detailed engineering drawings and specifications for the construction of the new bridge, intersection improvements, and railroad crossing. During the design, every effort will be made by the design consultant to engage nearby residents,  keep them informed regarding the project progress and address any impacts caused by the new construction.

Preliminary analysis by the project’s environmental consultant indicates minimal impacts to the environment. The new bridge is near the existing one and only very minor noise changes are anticipated at this time.

According to Powers the design will take several months and involve close coordination with the railroad to assure all aspects of the project are identified and addressed in detail.

The length of construction is anticipated to be six to eight months and will have minimal impacts to the traveling public and residents in the Connie’s neighborhood and in the canyons. There will be some lane restrictions for short periods of time, like other projects. Access to Connie’s and parking will be maintained throughout construction.

Some of the comments and concerns received during the public comment period include: 

• A point was made about the older cottonwood trees in the Pinal Creek upstream from the bridge. Most of the trees are in the county jurisdiction, but coordination will occur over the upcoming years.

•The bridge is designed for the 25-year-flood event (this exceeds the requirement for the type of road). During the 100-year-flood, most of the adjacent area will be flooded.

• The recommendation by the consultants was to build the structure with the center support. This will have a lower cost and adequately pass the required flood events, according to flood modeling consultants.

• All drainage patterns within the project area will be evaluated and designed to function like today.

• The design of the bridge will account for the flows at the confluence of Pinal Creek and McMillen Wash.

• Minimal new right-of-way will be needed to complete this project, mostly on the railroad property, a new roadway easement will be required.

• The aesthetics of the bridge will be refined during the design phase, most of the comments supported the railroad theme.

• The exact duration of the construction has not yet been determined. As the design is completed a construction schedule will be developed. Every effort will be made to keep the public informed about the project during construction.

• The new bridge will be constructed without impact to existing traffic. The associated road work will result in minor impacts to the public.

• Parking for Connie’s store will be addressed during design. No major impacts are anticipated at this time.

• Community values and environmental mitigations will be evaluated and addressed during the design.

• The railroad crossing is being designed by the railroad’s designated consultant and will be built in coordination with the bridge/intersection project. The new crossing will have gates, and the flashing lights will be removed.

• The approved concept provides more direct traffic access onto Jesse Hayes Road from Ruiz Canyon and Buena Vista Roads, and will improve safety of the intersection with Broad Street. The idea is to improve intersection visibility by building a typical 90-degree intersection with great visibility for all approaches.

•Traffic analysis determined that a traffic signal was not required and recommended through flow traffic from Jesse Hayes and Hill Street, traffic will stop on Broad Street.

• The geometry of the bridge and road will accommodate efficient truck turning movements and vehicular traffic flow.

• Improvements will assure that exiting Ruiz Canyon will be a little easier, because vehicles will have a better intersection onto Jesse Hayes Road.

• The existing Connie’s bridge will be closed and eventually removed after construction of the new bridge.

According to Powers, the City plans on starting construction in the summer of 2021, depending on when the design is completed.