By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY — Surging floodwaters along the Gila River have forced public safety authorities to close key river crossings in eastern and western Graham County, blocking travel along Sanchez Road in Solomon and Bryce/Eden Road near Pima.
Emergency response teams and county highway crews monitored river levels closely overnight as torrential runoff spilled across low-lying bridge approaches, creating hazardous driving conditions and submerging vital access points.
Driver Stranded and Cited After Ignoring Warning Signs
The hazardous conditions led to a water-rescue response Monday morning along Eden-Bryce Road, just east of the Eden Bridge.
According to a Greenlee/Graham County Sheriff’s Office report, authorities were dispatched at approximately 0731 hours on Nov. 2, 2026, for a welfare check after a reporting party stated a car was floating in floodwaters with people trapped inside. Search and Rescue and local law enforcement units mobilized immediately.
Upon arrival, deputies and local officers found a vehicle stranded in the middle of roughly 500 feet of moving floodwater, with water levels reaching past the hood. The sole occupant, identified as Robert Robinson, exited the vehicle and waded to safety on the east side.
Investigators determined that Robinson had bypassed multiple warning indicators, including a “Road Closed” sign, a “Do Not Enter When Flooded” sign, and a “Dip” sign. Robinson admitted to authorities that he saw the warning signs and acknowledged that driving through the water was a mistake.
Deputies issued Robinson a civil traffic citation for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device. His vehicle remains stranded on-scene in the deep water until levels recede enough for recovery.
According to the report, another motorist contacted law enforcement to report that Robinson had sped past her vehicle at high speeds on U.S. Highway 70 before both turned onto Eden-Bryce Road, where Robinson subsequently drove straight into the flood channel. Robinson said he had been traveling at 75 mph on Highway 70 when the other motorist pulled out in front of him, causing him to slow down quickly.
Solomon Crossing Closed
In Solomon, water flowing over the approach to the Solomon Bridge on Sanchez Road prompted county officials to block off the roadway early in the response effort.
The closure affects residents and agricultural operations north of the Gila River that rely on Sanchez Road to access U.S. Highway 70. Drivers traveling through the area are instructed not to bypass barricades or attempt to cross moving water over the road surface.
Public Safety Warning
Local law enforcement and emergency management officials remind drivers that river conditions can change rapidly and that moving water over roadways presents serious hazards.
“Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” authorities advise. Just a few inches of swift-moving floodwater can sweep a vehicle off the road or wash out underlying pavement unseen beneath the surface.
Crews will continue to assess bridge approaches and roadway integrity as water levels recede.
