Gilbert Road Bridge at Salt River

The Maricopa County Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and the City of Mesa, is constructing a new bridge over the Salt River.

The new four-lane Gilbert Road Bridge will replace the existing two-lane bridge and low water crossing, which can become flooded during high water flows in the Salt River. Located on Gilbert Road between Thomas Road and State Route 87 (Beeline Highway), the bridge will be built in phases and provide two northbound and two southbound lanes.

Gilbert Road Bridge construction is anticipated to be completed in summer of 2024.

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UPDATE: Gilbert Road to Remain Closed between Thomas & SR 87

June 22, 2023 - The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will maintain the closure of Gilbert Road, from Thomas Road to SR 87 (Beeline Highway) while accelerating construction of the Gilbert Road Bridge already underway. All businesses south of Thomas Road remain open and are accessible via Gilbert Road.

By focusing on accelerating construction of the new Gilbert Road Bridge, the final solution for a floodproof crossing connecting to State Route 87 will be open to motorists sooner. The Gilbert Road bridge is anticipated to be completed in summer 2024, instead of early 2025.

The Gilbert Road crossing at the Salt River suffered extensive damage this year following historic flooding and critically needed water releases from Salt River Project (SRP) dams. MCDOT and its partners evaluated all options for repairing and reopening the Gilbert Road crossing and it was determined that repairing the crossing would take significant time and expense due to the extensive damage sustained, and could suffer repeat flooding based on weather projections for the next rainy season. This repair would also delay the construction of the Gilbert Road Bridge as resources would need to be shifted to complete the roadway work.

The historic flooding and resulting damage demonstrate the need for this new all- weather bridge. MCDOT will focus on completing the new Gilbert Road Bridge on an accelerated schedule instead of diverting resources for a vulnerable interim solution which could extend travel hardships if repeated.

Schedule is subject to change for reasons beyond MCDOT's control, including: weather, equipment failure, illness or other circumstances.