Pima Bridge reopened Thursday morning
By Jon Johnson/Gila Herald
PIMA — While initial forecasts indicated that high water along the Gila River would begin to recede, surging runoff overnight forced public safety authorities to close multiple river crossings in Graham County overnight.
The Pima Bridge at Main Street in Pima reopened Thursday morning at approximately 9:45 a.m., but the Eden Bridge at Bryce/Eden Road and the Fort Thomas Bridge remain closed to all traffic as floodwaters continue to sweep across the area, spilling over approach roads and creating hazardous driving conditions.
Motorists are strongly advised not to bypass barricades or attempt to cross standing or moving water near river crossings. Public safety officials stress that road conditions can change rapidly and driving through flooded roadways poses severe risks.
In Greenlee County, flooding previously impacted U.S. Highway 70 near Duncan after an overflowing wash knocked approximately 40 telephone poles into a culvert and a small landslide deposited mud and debris onto the roadway. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) cleared the landslide debris, and highways across the region remain under monitoring as runoff moves downstream.
Local public safety agencies urge residents to stay clear of the Gila River banks, low-water crossings, and flooded areas. Motorists in the area should seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time while the Eden and Fort Thomas bridges remain closed.
The Gila Herald will provide updates on road closures and river conditions as new information becomes available.
