A new $6.3M bridge over Bitter Creek on Broadway Road in Clarkdale could be in place and operational in two years.
The existing bridge failed to meet current standards in five areas, according to Town Manager Susan Guthrie, but none of the shortcomings are structural. Key among the difficulties is that the existing bridge is only wide enough for one vehicle to cross at a time.
Since the existing bridge is structurally sound and historically significant, the Town plans to keep it in place for pedestrian and bicycle use and to build the new two-lane bridge nearby.
The Town will receive $6.3M in one-time funds from the Arizona Legislature to develop the project, which will be added to the existing bridge already serving the area. Clarkdale officials worked with State Sen. Ken Bennett and Rep. Selina Bliss to secure the funding.
Guthrie pointed out two of Clarkdale’s largest businesses are located across the existing bridge and the Town also owns more than 100 acres on the other side, making it a prime area for economic development when the new bridge is put in place to provide adequate service for heavier crossing volumes.
Clarkdale was notified earlier this year of an $807K Arizona State Match Advantage for Rural Transportation grant for the pre-design and design of the project. The grant is administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation. (Source)
