State Transportation Board Nixes Pedestrian Bridge Proposal

A planned pedestrian bridge in Maricopa will not see construction this year as hoped. The Arizona State Transportation Board unanimously rejected a single bid during its meeting this morning, delaying the project potentially by months.

The lone bid came from Archer Western Construction, based in Chicago with a Phoenix office. During discussions, it became clear that the bid exceeded the state’s budget estimate by 80.9%, prompting the board’s decision.

The initial budget for the bridge was set at $4.49 million, but Archer Western requested over $8.1 million, citing an urgent need for additional funds to cover structural concrete and steel.

“We’re going to have to rebid this because we only had the single bid,” stated State Engineer Greg Byers, pointing to the necessity for a new bidding process.

As of now, the board has not announced when the rebidding will commence. City spokesperson Monica Williams mentioned that Maricopa plans to collaborate with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to identify the best pathway forward.

Although public interest in the project may be limited, the city has invested years in planning it as part of a broader Heritage District revitalization initiative. The proposed bridge measures 244 feet in length and features a design crafted by Florida-based CONSOR Engineers, incorporating weathered, corrugated metal to achieve a historic aesthetic.

This structure aims to span the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and enhance connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. Access will be facilitated via spiral staircases or open-air elevators. Approximately 48% of the bridge’s funding, amounting to $2.7 million, originates from federal resources secured by former Congressman Tom O’Halleran in 2022.

A screenshot of the slide presented during the Arizona State Transportation Board meeting reveals the significant budget disparity, illustrating why the proposal was ultimately rejected.