Project Overview
Project Overview
The existing Babocomari Creek Bridge on Upper Elgin Road was originally built in 1922 and is structurally deficient, as documented by the latest Arizona Department Of Transportation (ADOT) Structure Inventory and Appraisal and Inspection Report dated August 2022. Due to the bridge’s age, current condition, and original design for lighter traffic loads, the bridge has a load carrying capacity of 10 tons, as posted on either side of the bridge. This posting limits the types of vehicles that can traverse the structure. This bridge carries a single lane, allowing one car to pass over it at a time. With the ever-increasing tourism in the area, vehicles traveling over the current bridge must yield until the vehicle on the other side has crossed the bridge before they can pass. Due to these factors, it is important the bridge be improved to meet the needs of the travelling public it serves.
- Existing bridge Built in 1922
- Existing Traffic Impacts 10-ton load limit, single-lane
- Four alternatives Currently under review
Environmental Review
ADOT, in partnership with Santa Cruz County, is completing the environmental clearance for this project in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Additionally, ADOT, in partnership with Santa Cruz County, and their consultant are currently completing an alternatives analysis and evaluation following Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Section 4(f) applies to transportation projects that receive federal funds and requires consideration of all feasible and prudent alternatives to avoid Section 4(f) properties. Section 4(f) properties include publicly owned public parks, recreation areas, and wildlife or waterfowl refuges, or any publicly or privately owned historic site listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
Historic Bridge Considerations
The Babocomari Creek Bridge was previously determined ineligible for the NRHP in 2008. A reevaluation of the bridge in 2025 determined that the bridge is NRHP-eligible under Criteria A (event) and C (construction). The Babocomari Creek Bridge is considered a Section 4(f) property due to its eligibility for listing in the NRHP.
The Section 4(f) Evaluation is evaluating the following alternatives:
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Do Nothing
Maintain the existing single-lane bridge without improvements. -
Replace in Place
Replace the existing bridge with a new two-lane crossing. -
Rehabilitate
Repair and retain the existing bridge as a single-lane crossing. -
Build a New Alignment
Build a new two-lane bridge south of the existing crossing.