Adam RollinsThis story was originally published in the Government Contracting Pipeline newsletter from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. To have the latest government contracting news stories from across the country delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe.
A new pedestrian and bike bridge will soon provide safe passage across the Rio Salado River in Tempe, Arizona. The city will spend $30 million to build the Upstream Dam Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, enhancing mobility and connectivity for underserved residents. Construction is estimated to begin in January 2028.
The project will build a 0.2-mile bridge, connecting the Rio Salado’s north and south banks. The structure is part of the city’s plans to expand connectivity. Residents will be able to enjoy active transportation access to essential amenities, including healthcare facilities, the university, lakes and recreational facilities.
The bridge will provide a safe route for non-motorized travelers. The vision includes building dedicated bike lanes, using the bridge and connecting shared-use paths to ensure residents have unrestricted access to city centers.
In addition to the bridge, the city will build a 0.25-mile shared-use path along the river’s north bank. The trail will directly connect the bridge to nearby roads, including the Indian Bend Wash Path. The connected path will also receive several improvements, including lighting, ADA compliant enhancements, landscaping and pedestrian amenities.
Photo courtesy Scotwriter21, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
