Gilbert Road Bridge Celebrated in Mesa
Mesa, Arizona (February 28, 2025) – Today, leaders from the East Valley came together to celebrate the completion of the Gilbert Road Bridge, which opened to traffic earlier this month after over two years of construction.
Thomas Galvin, the chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for District 2, expressed that the new bridge will help tackle aging infrastructure issues and ease travel for those heading towards Mesa and Fountain Hills, particularly during high water conditions that previously resulted in flood-related closures.
“This bridge acts as a crucial link in the East Valley, connecting the Salt River Pimamarico Pine Indian Community (SRP-MIC), Mesa, Fountain Hills, and North Scottsdale,” Galvin stated. “But it represents more than just a structure; it’s proof of what can be achieved when we collaborate as a government to develop our communities responsibly. We are excited to see how this will enhance connectivity and bolster Maricopa County’s economic strength.”
The event featured blessings and speeches from tribal councillors, alongside remarks from Galvin, Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman, and Ed Zucher, Executive Director of the Maricopa Government Association. The celebration was topped off with a special performance by Birdsing and Dance by the River.
The new bridge is projected to handle 30,000 vehicles daily by 2035. In previous years, around 13,000 vehicles used the old bridge each day to travel from northern Maricopa County to the southeastern Valley. The previous bridge, constructed in 1990, had reached the end of its lifespan, suffering damage from heavy river flows over the years.
Jesse Gutierrez, director of the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), noted that this new structure is designed to endure future heavy river flows. “We’ve installed a stake that will be 100 feet deep to ensure this bridge remains solid for decades,” he mentioned. “We’ve also upgraded the accessing roads, so that when the river rises, those ramps will still be usable for drivers.”
The bridge, a four-lane installation on Gilbert Road between Thomas Road and State Route 87 (Beeline Highway), has been built to provide two lanes in each direction, aiming to reduce flood closures and improve overall traffic flow.
“I still remember the floods in the ’80s that took down the previous bridge here,” said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. “Now, we finally have a rebuilt bridge that not only facilitates community connectivity for years to come but also enhances traffic movement and supports growth and economic progress.”
New traffic measures have also been introduced, including updated traffic lights at the Thomas Road intersection on Gilbert Road, and new roads that connect the bridge to Route 87 and Mesa. Furthermore, enhancements to the Salt River Project (SRP) water supply system now include a new stormwater line and a 36-inch water line, aimed at servicing local communities.
Councillor Rich Adams from Mesa remarked on the bridge’s potential to stimulate economic growth in Mesa and beyond. “State Route 87 (Beeline) serves as a vital link for goods transportation across the state, reinforcing the economic stability of our region.”
Funding for the construction was sourced from the Maricopa Government’s Arterial Lifecycle Fund, the MCDOT Highway User Revenue Fund, SRP-MIC, the City of Mesa, and SRP.
“This project highlights the significance of regional transport funding through Prop. 400,” stated Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke, who also chairs the Maricopa Government Association. “With Proposition 479, we can continue to make these important transport investments that will connect communities throughout our region.”
MCDOT expressed gratitude towards the Arizona Department of Transportation for facilitating necessary detours during construction, and they appreciated the patience shown by travelers affected by the construction closures.
