Contributed Article By Carol Broeder
GILA COUNTY – Please join the Gila County Board of Supervisors, along with local, state, and federal officials, for a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, June 22, celebrating the opening of the new Tonto Creek Bridge starting at 10 a.m.
The ceremony includes remarks from guest speakers and an opportunity to walk across the bridge to experience this accomplishment firsthand.
District 2 Supervisor Tim Humphrey welcomes all to the long-awaited grand opening.
While owning and operating his own construction company for 20-plus years, Humphrey learned not only to build but to work with teams to complete projects.
It’s an experience that has helped with District 2 projects in Gila County, most especially the largest to come to fruition this year—the Tonto Creek Bridge.
Calling it “a dangerous creek taking lives,” Humphrey had flown to Washington, DC to debrief on past grant applications with the Department of Transportation on what Gila County could do to submit a better BUILD grant application for the bridge.
“Working with staff, management and our state and federal representatives is a great blessing– the bridge is complete,” Humphrey said.
A symbol of progress and unity for Gila County, the bridge will significantly enhance the daily lives and safety of residents by improving transportation, fostering growth, and bringing a community closer together.
This milestone marks not only the completion of a significant endeavor but also the culmination of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
For nearly 40 years, Gila County faced numerous challenges to build this bridge – ranging from environmental issues, securing funding, adverse weather, and other unforeseen obstacles.
Signs will direct all ribbon-cutting guests to public parking; shaded seating and water will be available; bring your cash for a variety of breakfast and lunch options from food trucks, including Gila Hogs BBQ; Bento Guy; Copp’s Brick House Tacos & Taters and Taqueria La Familia.