Crossing Bridge Design Unveiled

By John Conway, Staff Writer, Red Rock News

Red Rock Crossing's controversial proposed bridge is available for public review thanks to the magic of computer imaging.

Released Wednesday, the color pictures show an earthen-colored, four-span bridge drawn to scale and superimposed on a photograph of Red Rock Crossing.

Construction can't begin on the proposed design until approval is granted by the U.S. Forest Service. Richard Straub, Yavapai County public works director, said the design was carefully chosen and should pass scrutiny. "I feel good. I think we have an environmentally sensitive bridge that blends in very well with the environment." he said.

The chosen design was one of six different types considered. "This is the consultant's recommended bridge and the county agrees," Straub said. Copies of the design concept report, including photographs of the proposed bridge, are available at the Sedona Publi Library, the county supervisor's office in Cottonwood and Prescott and the county Public Works Office in Prescott.

Straub said no public presentation is scheduled with the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, but he has shown the plans to Verde Valley Supervisor Carlton Camp and has provided information to supervisors General Brownlow and Bill Feldmeier.

He said design plans usually don't go back to the supervisors for review. Straub released information to the media Wednesday. He has accepted an invitation to speak on the bridge design at tonight's annual meeting of the Citizens For an Alternate Route (CFAR), an organization that favors a bridge at Red Rock Crossing. Straub said he will not engage in a debate.

CFAR President Charles Aurand said the meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Village of Oak Creek Association Clubhouse on Bell Rock Boulevard. He expects Straub to make his presentation at about 7:15 p.m. The public is invited.

A member of a group opposed to a bridge at the crossing objects to the method used to inform the public about the design concept report. Ruth Kane, past president of the Responsible Residents of the Red Rocks (4Rs) called the procedure "a departure from fairness." "To take your bridge plans and present them in a venue where there won't be any tough questions is unfair," she said...