The path for a potential bridge detour in Elgin would require an easement across property belonging to the descendants of Patricia L. Lareau. The property is shown in this photo. Photo by Carrie White 
In July of 2021, excessive rain caused the waters to jump the Babocomari River banks and flood nearby land. Elgin resident Sue Downing fears there is a greater propensity for this to happen with the lowering of the bank to allow traffic to negotiate across the bed. Photo by Sue Downing
The public has until May 20 to submit comments/concerns on three proposals being put forth on the Elgin Bridge.
Those proposals, as outlined in a scoping letter received by Elgin resident Sue Downing, differ slightly from those recently cited by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The newest recommendations are:
- Removal of existing bridge and construction of a new two-lane bridge over Babocomari River
- Rehabilitation of the existing single-lane bridge
- Rehabilitation of existing single-lane bridge and construction of a new two-lane bridge south of the existing bridge.
At least two of the proposals would require an easement across private property belonging to the descendants of Patricia L. Lareau, who currently live in San Diego. The detour would also impact Downing’s property, specifically her driveway. A loss of privacy, an increase in noise and dust, and the potential for flooding are her concerns regarding the proposed detour route. As a point of reference, the Lareau property includes an 1880s station house and a historic 1915 one-room schoolhouse, which serves as Downing’s primary residence.
Downing, whose main concern is safety, is leaning toward the third proposal, as it would allow for semitruck traffic and avoid the need for a detour.
As far as the location of a new two-lane bridge, Elgin Canelo Road south of the old bridge would also provide better alignment for upper Elgin Road. That land is also owned by Lareau’s descendants.
Downing also is concerned about sharp turns on the detour route, a crossing of the riverbed and a wall at the Elgin Distillery.
“Before a decision on a detour can be made, I would hope the county performs a traffic study to better understand the volume and types of traffic, especially commercial vehicles, that would be using a dirt creek bed with sharp turns as a detour. In July 2021, the creek ran 9-foot deep after a monsoon storm. The water subsided four days later leaving deep mud and debris. Building a new bridge south of the current bridge eliminates the need for a detour because it can remain open.”
The public can submit comments or concerns to Santa Cruz County c/o Maria Altemus, 1 S. Church Ave, Suite 1400, Tucson, Arizona 85701. Altemus also can be reached at 520-246-0118 or Maria.Altemus@hdrinc.com.