Maricopa, Arizona, August 21, 2025 Not long ago, the railroad tracks in Maricopa meant long delays for drivers and pedestrians. Before the John Wayne Parkway overpass opened in July 2019, cars would often line up for miles, waiting for trains to pass. That overpass transformed mobility in Maricopa, moving traffic safely and efficiently over the tracks.
The attention now turns to giving pedestrians a quicker and safer way across the tracks. In the next few weeks, construction crews will break ground on Maricopa’s new pedestrian bridge, linking the two sides of North Maricopa Road just west of the Parkway.
“This bridge is about connecting our community,” says Mayor Nancy Smith. “It will give students a better route to and from school, open new pathways to our businesses, and knit together the heart of the Heritage District as we continue its revitalization.”
The bridge will be fully ADA-compliant and feature elevators to accommodate bicycles.
“This project has been a long time coming, and it will be exciting to finally get to see the architectural renderings come to life,” shared City Manager Ben Bitter. “We are ready for construction and for the new amenity coming to our community.”
The project is being funded through a mix of federal and local dollars, with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) serving as the project facilitator. Union Pacific Railroad is also a key partner.
Construction Timeline & What to Expect
- Work will begin in late August and continue through Summer 2026.
- Construction will primarily take place Mondays through Fridays, during daytime hours.
- Businesses and neighborhoods will remain accessible throughout the project, with only limited lane closures to accommodate construction vehicles and materials.
- The schedule may shift due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
Project updates will be shared at www.maricopa-az.gov/pedestrianbridge
