The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will reopen Gilbert Road Bridge late afternoon on Friday, June 28.

Two lanes of travel between Mesa and State Route 87 (Beeline Highway) are expected to open at 4 p.m.

The reopening will provide one lane for each direction in time for weekend and July 4 holiday travel and is the result of an accelerated construction schedule to re-establish an all-weather crossing over the Salt River. Work will continue on the second half of the bridge while traffic moves across the completed portion of the new bridge. Other work activities include the final removal of the old bridge adjacent to the new structure.

The final completion of the Gilbert Road Bridge project is anticipated in late 2024, and when finished, will include two lanes for each direction of travel, a new signal at the Thomas Road intersection at Gilbert Road, and new roads connecting the bridge to State Route 87 and Mesa. The project also features the installation of a new storm drain and a new 36-inch waterline as part of SRP’s water delivery system.

MCDOT’s Gilbert Road Bridge project partners include the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and the City of Mesa who supported efforts during the closure and accelerated construction schedule. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) provided needed detours, and the patience of the traveling public who had to adjust their driving during the unplanned closure is appreciated.

Funding for the bridge was made possible through the Maricopa Association of Government’s Arterial Life Cycle Program, which is funded through Proposition 400.

The Times Independent invites readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Bob Burns can be reached at bburns@iniusa.org.