Contributed Article
THATCHER — The town of Thatcher is celebrating the completion of its 8th Street widening project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. on Aug. 4.
The $7.3 million infrastructure project — supported by a $4.5 million state grant — spanned seven months and delivered major improvements to the stretch of 8th Street between First Avenue and 20th Avenue. The town of Thatcher contributed $2.8 million to the total cost.
Upgrades include a widened roadway, new sidewalks, a reconstructed canal crossing, and an improved railroad crossing. The project also included relocating overhead power lines underground, enhancing both safety and reliability.
“8th Street is a vital corridor for the Gila Valley,” Thatcher Mayor Jenny Howard said. “These upgrades reflect the town’s commitment to growth, safety, and connectivity. We’re thankful to our partners at the state level, our dedicated town staf,f and the construction crews who made this project such a great success.”
The project coincided with additional infrastructure investments, including new water and gas mains installed by the City of Safford and Southwest Gas, and relocated communication lines by Sparklight and Lumen.
The ribbon cutting will take place near the intersection of 8th Street and 20th Avenue, starting at 10 a.m.. Parking will be available at Hamblin Dermatology, 796 S. 20th Avenue.
The town extends its appreciation to all who contributed to the project, including planners, engineers, construction teams, and funding partners.
Editor’s Note: The ribbon-cutting time has been updated from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate the Graham County Board of Supervisors meeting.
