We have our fair share of abandoned places and ghost towns here in Arizona, each with its own unique story. This uninhabited bridge near Gillespie Dam is one such place. Drone footage by Atomic Shooter offers an aerial view of the historic structure, and it’s hauntingly beautiful.
Built in the 1920s, the Gillespie Dam Bridge is a through truss bridge in Maricopa County spanning the Gila River.
YouTube/Atomic Shooter For almost 30 years, the nearly 2000-foot-long structure was part of U.S. Route 80, a coast-to-coast highway stretching from San Diego, California to Tybee Island, Georgia.
Once the longest steel bridge in Arizona, Gillespie Dam Bridge earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
YouTube/Atomic Shooter It received many upgrades and modifications, including pavement, during the 1920s and 30s.
In 1956, a new alignment was built to the east of the original bridge.
YouTube/Atomic Shooter It was incorporated as part of Arizona State Route 85, and the US-80 designation was removed two decades later.
Today, the bridge is a historic landmark perfect for a quiet, contemplative stroll, peaceful fishing trip, or photoshoot.
Flickr/cmhpictures Walk out to the dam to see a variety of wildlife and even some ancient petroglyphs!
Looking to the left, you’ll see Gillespie Dam, the namesake of the bridge.
YouTube/Atomic Shooter It, too, was constructed circa 1920, primarily for irrigation purposes.
A portion of the dam failed unexpectedly in 1993 during a period of heavy rainfall.
YouTube/Atomic Shooter Remnants of the dam are still in place today, and the area is, for the most part, accessible to the public.
Viewing the bridge from above showcases an entirely different perspective, the surrounding forestry highlighting just how remote the area is.
YouTube/Atomic Shooter It’s definitely the path less traveled!
Check out the video by YouTuber Atomic Shooter:
YouTube/Atomic Shooter
For almost 30 years, the nearly 2000-foot-long structure was part of U.S. Route 80, a coast-to-coast highway stretching from San Diego, California to Tybee Island, Georgia.
It received many upgrades and modifications, including pavement, during the 1920s and 30s.
It was incorporated as part of Arizona State Route 85, and the US-80 designation was removed two decades later.
Flickr/cmhpictures
Walk out to the dam to see a variety of wildlife and even some ancient petroglyphs!
It, too, was constructed circa 1920, primarily for irrigation purposes.
Remnants of the dam are still in place today, and the area is, for the most part, accessible to the public.
It’s definitely the path less traveled!
Have you ever visited the Gillespie Dam Bridge? If so, what are your thoughts about it? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more drone footage: 7 Drone Videos From Arizona That Will Take You On An Aerial Tour Of The Grand Canyon State.
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