Gilbert breaks ground on $56m Ocotillo Bridge and Road Extension project

The project saw active community involvement, with residents voting on design concepts in 2022.

PUBLISHED JUL 19, 2024

Gilbert, Arizona: A significant step toward the future development of Gilbert Regional Park was taken on Tuesday, July 16, as local and state leaders gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Ocotillo Bridge and Road Extension project (ST0540). The event was attended by Mayor Brigette Peterson and members of the Gilbert Town Council.

“This bridge is all about connections,” Mayor Brigette Peterson remarked. “We’re making them in so many different ways. This bridge will connect our residents to Gilbert Regional Park, allowing it to grow and flourish for many years. It will also enable residents and visitors from surrounding communities to participate in the many activities we offer here.”

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Ocotillo Bridge and Road Extension project (ST0540) happened Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

The Ocotillo Bridge, upon completion, is expected to significantly improve public safety by nearly halving emergency response times in South Gilbert. Currently, response times range from six to eight minutes, but with the new bridge, Gilbert Fire & Rescue (GFRD) aims to meet their target of four minutes for 90 per cent of incidents.

“Response times are the cornerstone metric for the effectiveness of fire departments,” said Gilbert Fire & Rescue Chief Rob Duggan. “Without effective response times, everything we do when we arrive is in jeopardy. Every time we poll our community and ask what’s the most important thing to you – the answer is response times.”

The landmark design of the Ocotillo Bridge will span 0.85 miles, accommodating pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. It will enhance community connectivity by linking neighborhoods, local resources, and recreation areas, including Gilbert Regional Park, which will eventually cover 272 acres.

A rendering of Park Bridge at night with event lighting.

The project saw active community involvement, with residents voting on design concepts in March 2022. From approximately 3,500 responses, two designs were shortlisted – Palo Verde and Desert Falls.

In June 2022, nearly 2,900 residents voted, selecting the Palo Verde design for the bridge over the Chandler Heights Regional Basin and the future phases of Gilbert Regional Park. The final design includes two pedestrian bridges and three structures over existing watercourses.

The construction, which is estimated to cost approximately $56 million, is primarily funded by a transportation bond approved by voters in November 2021, is expected to take two years, with completion anticipated by summer 2026.