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39-574: In 1920, the Arizona Highway Department began construction on a section of the Borderland Highway in southeastern Arizona. The Borderland Highway was part of the larger Dixie Overland Highway , Bankhead Highway and Old Spanish Trail auto trails , which were important early transcontinental highways. The Highway Department received financial aid for the project from the federal government under Federal Aid Project Number 18 as well as

78-745: A Pima County bond issue and the Cochise County Road Fund. As part of the highway construction, the Highway Department needed to build a large bridge over a chasm known as Ciénega Canyon, a natural feature of Ciénega Creek , near the town of Vail . Running parallel through the canyon with the creek was the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad (now part of the Union Pacific Railroad ). State engineers decided to design an open-spandrel concrete arch bridge to cross

117-458: A concrete girder structure. In total, the bridge would have 5 spans, with four being approach spans. The overall length of the bridge would be 278 feet (85 m) with a width of 23 feet (7 m). The main architect of the bridge was state engineer Merrill Butler. The exact location of the bridge was chosen due to it being the most feasible area to the place the bridge as well as the high solid rocky banks providing added support. Upon finalizing

156-458: A 100-foot (30 m) chasm above the creek. Motorists were unable to negotiate the dangerous curve, which had resulted in vehicles missing the bridge, driving off the chasm ledge next to the bridge, and landing on to the creek bed below. Construction started in 1952 on a bypass route which included a new railroad underpass and two wash bridges. The new straighter alignment opened on April 9, 1955, moving US 80 designation off Ciénega Bridge onto

195-477: A Republican-leaning county. However, in 1964, it rejected Arizona's native son Barry Goldwater by seven points, who won statewide by one point. However, despite the county's Republican lean, Democrats would not win 40% of the vote only twice - in 1972, when George McGovern lost in a 49-state landslide and due to a balloting error in the county, the Socialist Workers Party came a distant third with 18% of

234-418: A heavily traveled section of US 80, which by the early 1950's, had become one of the most dangerous roads in the state of Arizona. Between 1952 and 1955, 11 motorists had been killed in separate car accidents in relation to the eastern bridge approach design. The eastern approach to the bridge consisted of an eight degree downhill curve just before the foot of the concrete structure. The bridge itself crossed

273-442: A household in the county was $ 36,758, and the median income for a family was $ 44,446. Males had a median income of $ 32,156 versus $ 24,959 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 19,785. About 10.5% of families and 14.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 19.4% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over. The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Pima County as

312-412: A newer bridge downstream. The new Ciénega Bridge was only 10 feet (3.0 m) above the creek as opposed to the original bridge and had a straighter more even graded approach. Upon the opening of the new route, ownership of the old bridge was transferred to Pima County , remaining open to vehicular traffic. The section of US 80 between Tucson and Benson would later be replaced by Interstate 10 , with

351-462: Is a county in the south central region of the U.S. state of Arizona . As of the 2020 census , the population was 1,043,433, making it Arizona's second-most populous county. The county seat is Tucson , where most of the population is centered. The county is named after the Pima Native Americans , also known as Tohono O'odham , who are indigenous to this area. Pima County includes

390-552: Is an Arizona state government agency charged with facilitating mobility within the state. In addition to managing the state's highway system , the agency is also involved with public transportation and municipal airports . The department was created in 1974 when the state merged the Arizona Highway Department with the Arizona Department of Aeronautics. Jennifer Toth was appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs as

429-614: Is the arm of ADOT involved in transportation planning. As its name suggests, the mandate for the MPD deals with creating plans for various modes of transport, including highways and public transit at both a regional and statewide level. ADOT is noted for using pop-culture references to catch commuters eyes and deliver important safety tips on the electronic overhead signs. References have included Star Wars , Star Trek , and Pokémon Go . Signs have included: Pima County, Arizona Pima County ( / ˈ p iː m ə / PEE -mə )

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468-772: The 53rd most populous combined statistical area and the 59th most populous primary statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2012. Pima County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors who set ordinances and run services for the areas that do not fall within any city or town's jurisdiction. In Arizona, counties are creatures of the state, and do not have charters of their own. The county Board of Supervisors acts under powers delegated by state law, mainly related to minor ordinances and revenue collection. With few exceptions, these powers are narrowly construed. The state legislature devotes considerable time to local matters, with legislative approval required for many of

507-510: The census of 2000, there were 843,746 people, 332,350 households, and 212,039 families living in the county. The population density was 92 people per square mile (36 people/km ). There were 366,737 housing units at an average density of 40 units per square mile (15 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 75.1% White , 3.0% Black or African American , 3.2% Native American , 2.0% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 13.3% from other races , and 3.2% from two or more races. 29.3% of

546-558: The census of 2010, there were 980,263 people, 388,660 households, and 243,167 families living in the county. The population density was 106.7 inhabitants per square mile (41.2 inhabitants/km ). There were 440,909 housing units at an average density of 48.0 units per square mile (18.5 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 74.3% white, 3.5% black or African American, 3.3% American Indian, 2.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific islander, 12.3% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 34.6% of

585-619: The ADOT Director in January 2023. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters had previously been a Director of ADOT. The past Federal Highway Administrator, Victor Mendez , was also previously a Director of ADOT. ADOT's publications division publishes Arizona Highways magazine. The Aeronautics Division, now a part of the Multimodal Planning Division, promotes aviation in the state, license aircraft dealers, assists in

624-951: The Enforcement Services Bureau, Office of Inspector General and the Executive Hearing Office. The Enforcement Services Bureau (ESB) utilizes certified police officers to enforce state and federal commercial vehicle regulations. Stationed at Port of Entry stations, mobile scale teams and MVD offices, these officers are trained to perform a variety of duties and also enforce fuel tax laws. The Bureau also assists other state, local and federal agencies when needed. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) utilizes detectives to deter theft, fraud and other crimes as well as assisting other state, local and federal agencies. The Executive Hearing Office (EHO) employs an Administrative Law Judge and staff on driver license hearings and other administrative cases. The Multimodal Planning Division (MPD)

663-602: The Highway Department. The Highway Department claimed English and Pierce exceeded the original contracted price necessitating state takeover. Construction of the bridge was completed in March 1921 at a total cost of $ 40,000 (the equivalent of $ 460,961 in 2023). Upon completion, the Ciénega Bridge became the longest open–spandrel arch bridge within the state of Arizona, the arch measuring 146 feet (45 m) in length. The arch consisted of twin tapered ribs, both of which were anchored into

702-475: The Tucson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area. The United States Census Bureau ranked the Tucson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area as the 53rd most populous metropolitan statistical area of the United States as of July 1, 2012. The Office of Management and Budget has further designated the Tucson, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area as a component of the more extensive Tucson-Nogales, AZ Combined Statistical Area ,

741-586: The US ;80 designation being retired from this section of highway in 1977. The US 80 designation was fully decommissioned within Arizona by 1989. The Ciénega Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 30, 1988. The majority of the original bridge structure remains unaltered, the exception being the original guardrails, which had been replaced by Jersey barriers in 1989. Although

780-425: The bridge design, the Highway Department awarded construction of the bridge to a Tucson based firm called English and Pierce. Construction materials would be provided by the Highway Department. The new bridge was internally referred to as "Section F" of the Borderland Highway construction project. Construction of Ciénega Bridge started in 1920. Over 900 cubic yards (688 m) of rock had to be blasted to make way for

819-426: The bridge foundations. The total amount of concrete poured measured 934 cubic yards (714 m) while the amount of reinforcing steel used weighed over 87,900 pounds (39,871 kg). Erecting of the false work was a risky endeavor, as the contractors had to deal with the possibility of high water levels generated by the creek. Due to a dispute with the contractor, construction of the bridge was taken over completed by

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858-424: The canyon. The arch would measure 146 feet (45 m) in length and would be a combination of two tapered ribs connecting the foundation arch to the bridge deck , supplemented by multiple concrete columns, supporting the deck. Paneled bulkheads and concrete guard rails would be placed on the sides of the bridge deck. The part of the bridge spanning the railroad would be a two span section with three piers supported by

897-573: The capital of the Tohono O'odham Nation, and Ajo in the county's far western region. Pima County, one of the four original counties in Arizona, was created by the 1st Arizona Territorial Legislature with land acquired through the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico in 1853. The original county consisted of all of Arizona Territory east of longitude 113° 20' and south of the Gila River . Soon thereafter,

936-485: The concrete foundations of the structure. The Ciénega Bridge continues to remain Arizona's longest open–spandrel arch bridge as of June 2022. Starting in 1926, the Borderland Highway was designated as part of U.S. Route 80 , a transcontinental highway, the western and eastern termini of which, were located in Savannah, Georgia (later Tybee Island, Georgia ) and San Diego, California , respectively. The Ciénega Bridge became

975-610: The counties of Cochise , Graham and Santa Cruz were carved from the original Pima County. According to the United States Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 9,189 square miles (23,800 km ), of which 9,187 square miles (23,790 km ) is land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km ) (0.02%) is water. The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP) is Pima County's plan for desert conservation. The SDCP addresses natural and cultural resources, ranches, endangered species compliance and wildlife corridors. As of

1014-557: The county jail, provides coroner service, and patrols the unincorporated parts of Pima County. It is the seventh largest sheriff's department in the nation. Incorporated towns within the county with municipal police departments are Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, and Sahuarita. Being home to a major population center and a major research university, Pima County is one of the most reliably Democratic counties in Arizona. After voting Democratic through 1930s and 1940s, it swung Republican following major population increase after World War II, becoming

1053-415: The county population lies in and around the city of Tucson , filling much of the eastern part of the county with urban development. As Arizona's second-largest city, Tucson is a major commercial and academic center. Other urban areas include the Tucson suburbs of Marana , Oro Valley , Sahuarita , South Tucson , and Green Valley . The rest of the county is sparsely populated; the largest towns are Sells ,

1092-568: The delivery of a host of municipal services, from roads to parks and libraries and law enforcement, board members also are responsible for approving the county budget. Elected to four-year terms, board members also set the amount of taxes to be levied. Along with the Board of Supervisors the Arizona State Constitution allows for 7 other county elected officials. The Pima County Sheriff's Department provides court protection, administers

1131-634: The development of public airport projects and manages Grand Canyon National Park Airport . The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is responsible for driver licensing and vehicle registration. It has 1600 employees and an annual operating budget of $ 72 million. Currently it is headed by ADOT Assistant Director Eric Jorgensen. As of FY 2023, the MVD has 7,969,576 license plates registered with the department. The Enforcement and Compliance Division utilizes certified peace officers to enforce transportation related laws and regulations. The Enforcement and Compliance Division

1170-715: The entirety of the Tucson Metropolitan Statistical Area , and it is the third largest metropolitan area in the Southwestern United States . Pima County contains parts of the Tohono O'odham Nation , as well as all of the San Xavier Indian Reservation , the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation , Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument , Ironwood Forest National Monument and Saguaro National Park . The vast majority of

1209-464: The first Republican since Bob Dole in 1996 to fail to win 40% of the county's vote. The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Pima County. † county seat School districts with territory in the county, no matter how slight (even if the schools and administration are in other counties), include: Unified: Elementary: Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind

Ciénega Bridge - Misplaced Pages Continue

1248-595: The guardrail replacement has slightly weakened the bridge's overall structural integrity, it does not pose a significant threat. The Ciénega Bridge is the oldest surviving open-spandrel arch bridge in Arizona. As of September 21, 2018, the bridge carries a section of Historic U.S. Route 80 , as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) designated Marsh Station Road as part of the historic route. Arizona Department of Transportation The Arizona Department of Transportation ( ADOT , / ˈ eɪ d ɒ t / )

1287-468: The most basic local issues. The Pima County Board of Supervisors is responsible for steering public policy in the region. The five-member board provides direction to the County Administrator, Jan Lesher, and the county's various departments as they work to ensure safe communities, nurture economic development, sustainably manage natural resources and protect public health. In addition to overseeing

1326-424: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 22.8% reported speaking Spanish at home. There were 332,350 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who

1365-410: The population. The largest ancestry groups were: Of the 388,660 households, 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 37.4% were non-families, and 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.06. The median age

1404-399: The vote; and in 1980, when Jimmy Carter , being largely insensitive to Western states' issues, also lost many votes to independent John B. Anderson . Following Bill Clinton's plurality victory by 12 points in 1992, all Democrats since 1996 have won the county by a majority and no Republican has come closer than six points in recapturing the county. In both 2016 and 2020, Donald Trump became

1443-403: Was 37.7 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 45,521 and the median income for a family was $ 57,377. Males had a median income of $ 42,313 versus $ 33,487 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 25,093. About 11.2% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over. As of

1482-451: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.06. In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males. The median income for

1521-612: Was originally the enforcement component of the Motor Vehicle Division. Created in 2010 by former division Director, Terry Connor (retired Arizona DPS Commander), the Division separated from the Motor Vehicle Division to improve the enforcement capabilities of the department. Under current Division Director Tim Lane, the division continues to provide the state of Arizona a highly trained agency to protect Arizona's infrastructure. The Enforcement and Compliance Division has 3 separate units:

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