Gilbert residents invited to sign steel beam on $112M Ocotillo Bridge project

PHOENIX — The town of Gilbert is inviting community members to leave their mark on one of the city’s largest-ever infrastructure projects.

Town leaders are holding a public beam-signing event at the future Ocotillo Bridge on Thursday.

Residents, town leaders and the project team will be on hand from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Gilbert Regional Park, which is located near Higley and Queen Creek roads, to sign a 43-foot steel beam that will be permanently installed as part of the bridge structure.

How far along is the Ocotillo Bridge construction?

The event marks a milestone in the construction of the Ocotillo Road extension, which is a 0.85-mile corridor connecting Greenfield Road to Higley Road in south Gilbert.

The $112 million project will close a gap created by two regional floodways and a basin, adding three vehicle bridges spanning key waterways.

The most important benefit of the new bridge is shortened response times for emergency crews. Town officials expect Gilbert Fire & Rescue response times to be halved. Crews hope to reach 90% of incidents within four minutes.

The bridge project also includes dedicated pedestrian bridges and space for future trails as well as bike access.

The beam-signing event is open to the public and attendees are directed to enter from Queen Creek or Higley roads and follow construction signs to the designated parking area.

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