Plans are moving forward to upgrade the aging Central Street crossing of Short Creek Wash, a low-water crossing located along the Arizona-Utah border. The project is a joint effort involving FEMA, the Town of Colorado City, and Mohave County, with the county administering the design contract.
The existing crossing is a low-water crossing situated close to the wash bed, which causes water to rise over the road during significant storms. Currently, the crossing cannot handle a 10-year flood event, often requiring officials to close Central Street for safety. These closures disrupt routes used by police, fire, and ambulance crews to reach residents.
Officials considered upgrading the nearby Hilldale Street crossing, but that alternative was ruled out due to higher projected costs. Federal reviewers determined that rebuilding at Central Street is the only practicable option. The Town of Colorado City has confirmed the project meets local floodplain standards and will manage the construction and maintenance of the upgraded crossing once completed.
Funding for the project is provided through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Mohave County Flood Control District is serving as the subapplicant for the current phase, which includes design, a geotechnical survey, and a hydrologic and hydraulic study.
Mohave County awarded the design contract to the engineering firm Horrocks on June 1, 2026. Sean Nugent, PE, is serving as the principal project manager for the Horrocks team. Preliminary work is underway, including the use of a mobile drill rig to bore eight test holes to assist with geotechnical investigations. These samples will help engineers design the foundations for the new culverts.
The proposed design involves raising Central Street by approximately 8 feet at the crossing. The new structure will feature two large, 48-foot wide box-shaped drainage culverts. This upgrade is intended to allow the crossing to safely handle a 100-year storm, ensuring the road remains passable during major storms.
The design phase is expected to take roughly a year and a half due to the time required for Army Corps of Engineers and environmental permits. Once design and permitting are finished, construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, though the timeline may shift based on winter weather conditions.
