Gilbert residents invited to sign Ocotillo Bridge beam.

Gilbert is holding a public beam-signing event Thursday from 4–6 p.m. at Gilbert Regional Park for a 43-foot steel beam that will be permanently installed as part of the $112 million Ocotillo Road extension.

The town of Gilbert is inviting residents to sign a steel beam that will become part of the future Ocotillo Bridge. Town leaders will hold a public beam-signing event Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Gilbert Regional Park, near Higley and Queen Creek roads. The beam is a 43-foot steel member that will be permanently installed in the bridge structure. The signing marks a milestone in the Ocotillo Road extension project. Event details: - The public beam-signing is scheduled Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Gilbert Regional Park, with entry from Queen Creek or Higley roads and designated parking signs. - A 43-foot steel beam will be signed by residents, town leaders, and the project team and then installed in the bridge. - The Ocotillo Road extension is a 0.85-mile corridor connecting Greenfield Road to Higley Road in south Gilbert. - The project carries an estimated cost of $112 million and will add three vehicle bridges to cross regional floodways and a basin. - The design includes dedicated pedestrian bridges and space for future trails and bike access. Summary: The beam-signing ceremony is a public milestone in the $112 million Ocotillo Road extension and highlights community involvement in the project. Town officials say the new corridor and bridges are expected to shorten emergency response times, with Gilbert Fire & Rescue projected to halve response times and aim to reach 90% of incidents within four minutes. Construction will continue and the signed beam will be incorporated into the bridge as work progresses.