Work starts on new Madera Canyon bridge

Madera Canyon, an oasis of evergreen beauty and a bird-watcher’s delight, will be getting a new trail improvement—soon.

A 67-foot bridge on the main walking trail should be finished by mid September, said Forest Service authority Larry Pratt, Thursday afternoon.

The project will cost about $135,000 and the support group Friends of Madera Canyon will pay about half of it.

The bridge crosses Madera Creek and is part of the Madera Nature Trail.

Pratt said the new, replacement bridge will be higher than the existing one, which is often closed following rains because the stream runs over it, damaging parts.

He said that means the trail must be closed until the bridge is repaired.

Friends President Keith Siebers said Thursday afternoon, “We’re looking forward to it. It will be nice and we hope everyone enjoys it.”

The bridge will will be farther above the stream bed than the current one, which is about 45 feet long and is about 25 years old. The bridge and trail comply with specifications of ADA, the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The new bridge will be about 50 feet north of the existing bridge.

Other work to be done includes improving some of the trail “to meet accessibility standards.”

Siebers said he wasn’t sure the bridge could be completed by mid-September because of some migratory birds might be flying through at about that time, holding up work.

He said the Friends obtained a state grant of $50,000 and the group would contribute additional funds.

In its announcement, the Forest Service said the canyon is “extremely popular” because of its recreation opportunities such as camping, hiking and “world-class birding.”

About 20,000 people a year use the canyon.

The bridge is one of five on the trail. The bridge will be prefabricated. A crane will help put it in place.

Part of the contract calls for removal of the old bridge.

The Forest Service is taking public comment on the bridge until about Aug. 22.

Comment can be sent to the Nogales Ranger District, 303 Old Tucson Road, Nogales, Ariz., 85621. Facsimiles may be sent to 520-281-2396 and comments by computer may be sent to comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us.

Pratt said use of the prefabricated bridges is becoming more common, and the work is often faster than building one onsite.