As new bridge comes together over Gila River, traffic delays expected

PHOENIX – Traffic will be restricted on a highway in Florence over two weekends this month as crews slide the two sides of a new bridge into place.

The State Route 79 bridge over the Gila River, about 60 miles southeast of metro Phoenix, was built over the last year using an innovative technique designed to minimize traffic impacts.

As the project reaches a significant milestone, motorists should expect delays and consider alternate routes from about 8 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday each of next two weekends, the Arizona Department of Transportation said Thursday.

There will only be one lane open over the river during those times. Traffic will be regulated with temporary signals at each side of the bridge.

Construction on the $22.1 million project started in February 2022.

The bridge remained open throughout the process, even as new piers were constructed under the existing bridge to support the new structure.

The old bridge was demolished after the new lanes were built on either side. Crews will slide the west half into its ultimate position this weekend and the east half next weekend.

Additional work will be needed after the new bridge structure is in place, which could require occasional lane restrictions.

ADOT has previously used the technique to replace bridges on Interstate 40 in the Flagstaff area.

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