Acrow Bridge Installs Steel Lifeline for Arizona Mine Site
Tucked into the rugged folds of the Patagonia Mountains in southern Arizona, a pivotal infrastructure link has just been laid down to support one of the United States’ most strategically important mining projects.
Acrow, a global leader in modular steel bridging, has successfully delivered and installed a robust structure across Red Rock Canyon Creek to improve site access for South32’s Hermosa project in Santa Cruz County. And this isn’t just any crossing — it’s a steel lifeline built to handle the weight and wear of heavy industrial traffic while also keeping local roads moving.
The Hermosa project, situated a stone’s throw south of the historic town of Patagonia, aims to tap into the underground reserves of manganese and zinc — both officially recognised by the U.S. government as critical minerals. With these resources increasingly essential to the transition toward clean energy, the need for reliable access to this remote site became a high-priority logistical challenge.
Built to Bear the Load
Engineered by CPE Consultants and constructed by Hunter Contracting Co., the 140-foot-long, 30-foot-wide steel panel bridge spans Red Rock Canyon Creek with the kind of grit only Acrow can deliver. The structure boasts a TL-4 guardrail system and an epoxy aggregate anti-skid deck, combining safety and durability in one sleek package. It was launched in place with the aid of a crane and opened to limited traffic in March 2025.
This bridge is no short-term fix. Although its primary role is to facilitate the delivery of heavy equipment and construction materials to the site during the mine’s development phase, the structure will eventually be transferred to Santa Cruz County for permanent public use. Talk about leaving a legacy.
Why Hermosa Matters
The Hermosa project isn’t just about digging holes in the ground. It represents a seismic shift in how the U.S. sources key industrial materials. Manganese is a core component in advanced battery chemistries and steelmaking, while zinc is vital for corrosion protection in infrastructure. Both are crucial to bolstering domestic supply chains for clean energy technologies and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
And it doesn’t stop there. According to South32, the Hermosa site is the only advanced project in the United States that could potentially produce two federally designated critical minerals. That makes it a poster child for the Biden administration’s mineral independence strategy.
Engineering for Extremes
Acrow’s bridge isn’t just a marvel of civil engineering, it’s a testament to resilience in unforgiving terrain. Built with standardised modular components fabricated from high-strength American steel and galvanised to withstand corrosion, the bridge was designed to cope with:
- High live-loads from construction vehicles
- Variable weather conditions
- Limited construction footprints
- Remote deployment challenges
And when the job’s done? The whole structure can be disassembled, transported, and reused at another site. It’s infrastructure with a passport.
“We are pleased to have been involved in this important project to develop a domestic source of these critical minerals” said Russ Parisi, Acrow’s Vice President, North America. “Our durable bridging solution provided a cost-effective, efficient way to address the site access needs of heavy vehicles for project development.”
Global Expertise, Local Impact
With more than 70 years of experience under its belt, Acrow has built bridges in over 150 countries. Whether it’s a flood response in Asia, a military deployment in the Middle East, or a mining site in the American Southwest, Acrow adapts its modular technology to the needs of the moment.
Eugene Sobecki, Director of National Sales and Military Business Development, explained the broader value: “Acrow’s bridges are used by contractors in extractive industry operations worldwide. Our bridges can be designed and engineered to handle the most extreme loads with rugged durability and have a long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.”
And in the case of Hermosa, it’s about more than access. The bridge also improves safety for local residents and construction teams alike by streamlining the route and reducing pressure on older rural roads.
Bridging More Than Just a Creek
Beyond the steel, bolts, and engineering maths, the Red Rock Canyon bridge stands as a symbol of modern infrastructure done right. It reflects a growing recognition that access and efficiency are non-negotiable in the energy transition, and that investment in durable infrastructure pays dividends across the board.
In a region with limited transport options, having a bridge purpose-built for the demands of mining development is no small thing. It speeds up timelines, lowers costs, and improves community relations — all while setting the stage for sustainable mineral production.
The project also aligns with the principles of responsible mining and low-impact construction. Modular bridges such as Acrow’s reduce environmental disruption compared to traditional building methods, thanks to their ease of installation and minimal on-site requirements.
The Road Ahead
As the Hermosa project shifts gears from planning into full-scale development, the Red Rock Canyon bridge is already doing the heavy lifting. It’s a vital early chapter in a story that’s likely to span decades, with the potential to influence U.S. industrial policy, climate goals, and community development in equal measure.
From remote creeks in Arizona to global infrastructure corridors, Acrow continues to prove that smart engineering and adaptive technology can go hand in hand with sustainability and progress.
