Nearly five years after three young children were killed in northern Arizona’s Tonto Creek, Gila County is using a $21 million federal grant to build a bridge across a section of the river.
County officials announced Wednesday that the bridge is more than 94 percent complete and will be open to two-way traffic by the end of this month.
The project was funded by county and Federal Highway Administration grants and began in September 2022.
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The bridge was designed to help people cross streams on their way home each day or go to the grocery store, school, or post office.
Tonto Creek is approximately 113 miles long on the northern edge of the Tonto National Forest, and the river flows year-round.
Gila County, Arizona, is using a federal grant to build a bridge in the area where three children died five years ago. (Fox News)
In November 2019, a couple on their way to their family home attempted to cross a swollen stream in a military vehicle with seven children inside.
The couple ignored signs and barricades prohibiting motorists from crossing.
The couple and their four children escaped from the car and were rescued.
However, three other children – a 5-year-old boy, a 6-year-old girl, and a 5-year-old male cousin – were swept away and died.
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The couple avoided prison time and were each sentenced to several years of suspended sentences in January 2022.
