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 first span opened in August 1931 and was dedicated on 1 May 1933 with a two-day celebration attended by Governor Benjamin Baker Moeur. It replaced the Ash Avenue Bridge, a one-lane crossing completed in 1913 and demolished in 1991. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and added to the Tempe Historic Property Register on November 4, 1999. A parallel span opened in 1994.

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.