City Engineer Kim Moon presented design alternatives and cost estimates Nov. 3 for a proposed pedestrian/bicycle bridge that would connect the Agua Fria Trail to Friendship Park.

Moon described the bridge as a key off‑street connection that would allow pedestrians and cyclists to avoid busy arterial crossings. She outlined three weathered‑steel structural options — an H‑truss, a tied‑arch and a bowstring — and compared them with a lower‑cost at‑grade crossing that had previously been conceptually designed. "Weathered steel allows for the longest spans, which means fewer piers are needed within the channel," Moon said, and added that weathered steel required moderate maintenance and performed well in the local climate.

Preliminary total project estimates Moon provided included $7,600,000 for the H‑truss (estimated annual maintenance about $75,000), $8,200,000 for the tied‑arch (annual maintenance about $85,000), and $10,200,000 for the bowstring (annual maintenance about $95,000). The at‑grade crossing was estimated at $2,100,000 but would not permit typical trail amenities such as lighting or decorative finishes because ADOT does not allow those elements within the channel; the at‑grade design would, Moon said, require a gate to restrict access during flood events and higher ongoing cleanup and repair after storm releases.

Moon said ADOT and Maricopa County Flood Control District minimum clearance and disturbance standards drive the bridge profile: the design must provide at least 13 feet, 6 inches of vertical clearance for maintenance vehicles using the channel. Moon also showed preliminary ramp connections on the north and south sides and noted the bridge would tie to existing sidewalks rather than the levee to preserve the levees protective function.

On funding, Moon said the city had $456,000 allocated for design; an additional $6.5 million shown earlier as an early construction estimate remained unfunded. Councilmembers were told a potential voter‑approved bond could provide up to $8 million for construction, which, combined with design funds, would bring available resources close to the midrange options.

Council discussion covered life‑cycle maintenance, the visual character of bridge types and user projections. Councilmember Weiss said she favored the H‑truss because of cost and lighting availability; other members expressed a preference for the tied‑arch for aesthetics. City staff said trail counters had recorded about 50–60 users per week at the trail terminus when the network dead‑ended; staff noted that connecting the trail to Friendship Park could increase usage significantly (Friendship Park attendance was cited at about 1.3 million visitors per year). Moon said staff would take council feedback and return with final design and permitting steps for council direction.