Mill Avenue Bridges, Historic bridge complex in Tempe, United States
Mill Avenue Bridges are two concrete structures crossing the Salt River to link northern and southern sections of Mill Avenue in Tempe. Both span the river with dedicated lanes for vehicles and pedestrians moving between downtown areas.
The original bridge was built in 1931 to replace an older single-lane highway bridge and served three transcontinental routes of US Routes 60, 70, and 80. This made it a major connection point for regional traffic during the early automobile era.
The bridges link people to shopping districts, restaurants, and recreation areas that line the Salt River downtown. They serve as active passages where the community moves between the two sides of the city daily.
Both bridges remain open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic with wide sidewalks providing safe crossings. Location near Tempe Town Lake and downtown dining makes accessing surrounding areas straightforward.
The structures proved their durability during severe flooding in 1980 when multiple other river crossings in the region shut down for safety. Their robust construction allowed them to withstand rushing water while other bridges failed.
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