City to build 2 bridges over downtown canals with $40M in grant money

More than $40 million in grant funding could bring two new multi-modal bridges to Buckeye, creating a more connected downtown. Both grants are offered through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grand program.

The grant funding would cover a little more than half of the total cost of $83 million.

The bridges would "reconnect the downtown area to employment and other daily essentials by means of motor vehicles, pedestrian walking, bicycling and rolling," according to the city. The construction also aims to "reduce environmental harm, reduce drive times, improve air quality and improve community accessibility and safety."

Grant No. 1: Rooks Road

The first $18.7 million grant would build an Americans-with-Disabilities-Act-compliant bridge connecting Rooks Road from Baseline Road to Maricopa County Road 85, looping over the irrigation canal. The grant would cover the entire project, with no match required by the city. Construction would occur through fiscal years 2026-2029.

Read more from the city HERE.

 

Grant No. 2: Watson Road

The second $65 million project would build an ADA-compliant bridge connecting Watson Rd. from Southern Ave. to MC-85, going over both the railroad tracks and irrigation canal. It's primary aim, according to city documents, is to connect the downtown with employers including the Walmart distribution center and Ross Warehouse. The grant would provide $25 million with the city providing $39.9 million. Construction would occur through fiscal years 2026-2029.

Read more from the city HERE.