Hereford Bridge Has Been A One Lane Crossing Since 1912
The Hereford Bridge is one of the last actively used one‑lane bridges in southern Arizona. It was once managed by ADOT and the Bureau of Land Management, but it is now considered a historic landmark. Over a century after its initial construction, More than a century after its construction, the area around the bridge has also become a popular spot for people exploring the San Pedro River.
Early Construction
According to the National Register of Historic Places, the Hereford Bridge was built in three phases between 1912 and 1927. The initial framework was built in 1913 by the Midland Bridge Company for $3,112, and it was supported by concrete‑filled steel cylinder piers.
In 1915, Cochise County added a second span and moved the original bridge 200 feet upriver, using a Penn Bridge Company superstructure. The final span arrived in 1927, built by the Ware Company with a truss from Virginia Bridge and Iron. The finished bridge stretched 267 feet, with three 102‑foot riveted steel trusses and a narrow 15.7‑foot roadway.
While the bridge is considered to be average, the fact that it was built in stages was out of the norm.
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Bridge Collapse
On April 25, 2003, a fully loaded cement truck, one far heavier than the posted limit, had attempted to cross the one‑lane span. The center truss failed, dropping into the river and forcing an immediate closure.
No injuries occurred, but the collapse cut off a key rural route and sparked a three‑year debate over whether to replace the bridge or preserve its historic identity. Community support ultimately pushed the county toward restoration rather than modernization.
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The Bridge Today
The bridge reopened in 2006, keeping its original one-lane design. Widening it would have required major environmental disturbance along the San Pedro River and would have erased one of Arizona’s last surviving early truss bridges. Keeping it narrow protects its historic status, maintains the rural feel of the area, and honors the community’s preference for preservation over expansion
Today, the bridge still serves as a crossing point for many people travelling over the San Pedro River. It is also an access point for the Hereford Trailhead, on the south side of Hereford Road, just east of the bridge. From there, people looking for a nice trail to walk can travel alongside the river and experience the lush river habitat.
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