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Connie’s Bridge replacement moving forward

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Through pandemic and economic issues, a key infrastructure project came closer to fruition Tuesday night, November 22, when Globe’s City Council voted unanimously to approve a contract for replacing the Upper Pinal Creek Bridge (also known as Connie’s Bridge).

The bridge replacement and related improvements to the Hill Street corridor have been entrusted to Meridian Engineering Company, who submitted a bid of $5,488,046. The project was previously advertised but received only one response, with a bid amount that was over budget. The City re-advertised for bids  in September 2022, and received sealed bids on October 20. This time two bids were submitted; Meridian Engineering was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, at $5,488,046.

Efforts to secure that funding began after a 2015 engineering assessment of Globe’s seven deficient bridges, which identified replacing Connie’s Bridge as the top priority. It has been a journey complicated by COVID-19 and the past year’s cost increases and supply chain problems.

The quest for funds paid off with state budget appropriations of $2.81 million in 2019 and $1,169,400 in 2021. The first appropriation was guided by legislators Frank Pratt, David Cook and T.J. Shope, along with Steve Stratton of the State Transportation Board; the second was granted to complete the Hill Street corridor and railroad crossing expenses. “This is seven years of work,” said City Engineer Jerry Barnes.  “There are so many people to thank for getting this far.” In giving thanks, Barnes noted not only the support from the state level but also the work of City staff.

Councilman Freddy Rios said it was “truly a well pulled together event to make this happen.”

The bridge’s issues include scour damage around the piers, exposed rebar, and extensive cracking of the deck and abutments. The City has worked with the EPS Group, Inc., an engineering design consultant, to finalize project design.

Jeff Jones, of Meridian Engineering, said his firm was putting together a construction schedule and would start work as soon as possible. “Hopefully we’ll break ground in January,” said Jones. “We’d like to get as much bridge structure out of the ground as possible before monsoon season.”

The Council voted to approve total funding in the amount of $5,594,610; the added $106,564, along with any savings from value engineering, is being reserved as contingency funds to cover any necessary change orders. The project will be funded via $3,227,194 in grant funds; $1,346,766 in excise tax funds; $599,050 in highway user revenue funds; and $421,600 in water contingency funds.