Fewer than 400 people live in Winkelman, Arizona, but over 3,500 people cross the town bridge each day. The reason? This is copper country. Winkelman’s Gila River bridge on State Route 77 is a key access point for major mining centers such as Asarco’s Hayden and Ray operations as well as all regional travel.
According to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, critical infrastructure projects like this are vital during our nation’s response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Sundt’s Transportation Group is in the process of replacing the 1960s-era bridge with a new six-span concrete structure that will be stronger, wider and safer.
At 760 feet in length and 30 feet in height, this is certainly not our largest bridge project to date, yet its importance as a regional transportation and economic artery is massive. Mines account for a $4.87 billion impact on Arizona’s economy, and copper mines here produce 65% of all U.S. copper, according to the Arizona Mining Association. Most vehicles crossing the Gila River bridge carry the state’s most valuable resource: its workforce.
“There are three ‘rush hours’ for this stretch of road,” said Project Manager Garrett Hyde. “They coincide with the three shifts of the mines in the surrounding area.” Most people who work in this region commute long distances, and many arrive from Tucson by bus. “It’s pretty remote out here, and that makes it harder to staff and self-perform a project like this.”
The team here is lean, so having the right people is all the more important. Before work began, Superintendents Mike Deskins and Tim Alford hit the phones. Time was of the essence, and they needed operators, carpenters and laborers fast. “We wouldn’t have gotten off the ground without Mike and Tim’s efforts and the relationships they’ve built,” said Garrett. “Guys respect them. So, when they got the call, their response was, ‘Yes. I’ll be there.'”
Not only did they show up, several craft professionals took on extra tasks as well. Water truck driver Cory Tynes has worked as a loader operator, stepping out and doing hard labor when necessary. He’s also an electrician—who knew?—and he wired up the team’s office. Eder Hernandez came all the way from Utah to perform demo work, which was relatively new to him, but as a highly qualified excavator operator he was able to “munch” through the old concrete deck like a pro. Carpenter foreman Leno Begay is performing new bridge construction while also stepping into a new role as he leads the concrete team.
“So far, we’ve asked more of our people, and they delivered,” said Garrett. “Having that Sundt logo on your hard hat means something. It’s not just about your job; it’s about serving a whole company, a whole community.” Substantial completion is expected for Spring of 2021.