During a recent Florence Town Council work session, Public Works Director Andy Smith discussed the possibility of identifying a private partner to work with the Town to build a “low-flow,” fair-weather crossing over the Gila River.
As envisioned, Plant Road would extend to cross the river at a low-flow crossing to Hunt Highway. The road would ultimately be part of a loop around the Florence core, providing a connection between Anthem and the downtown area and cutting emergency response trips by five miles.
There are currently two routes across the river, according to Vice Mayor Cathy Adam, and it is disruptive when one of them is closed. She said another path was absolutely needed.
Smith said he wants to advertise the “Poston Butte Loop” and issue a request for information for the partners to work with the Town on the new crossing. Since Florence owns land north of the Windmill Winery, he suggested the Town could lease mining rights to aggregate companies or negotiate an agreement for materials to construct a road.
Mayor Keith Eaton said some potential private partners could be eager to undertake the project and that residents have discussed the possibility of a new road in the area for some time. He added the town core will need easier access to Anthem as new businesses come in.
No action was taken, as the meeting was a non-voting work session, but Council remained receptive to the idea. (Source)