State engineers decided to design an open-spandrel concrete arch bridge to cross the canyon.

Paneled bulkheads and concrete guard rails would be placed on the sides of the bridge deck.

Erecting of the false work was a risky endeavor, as the contractors had to deal with the possibility of high water levels generated by the creek.

The Highway Department claimed English and Pierce exceeded the original contracted price necessitating state takeover.

The arch consisted of twin tapered ribs, both of which were anchored into the concrete foundations of the structure.

[4][1] The Ciénega Bridge became a heavily traveled section of US 80, which by the early 1950's, had become one of the most dangerous roads in the state of Arizona.

Between 1952 and 1955, 11 motorists had been killed in separate car accidents in relation to the eastern bridge approach design.

The eastern approach to the bridge consisted of an eight degree downhill curve just before the foot of the concrete structure.

Although the guardrail replacement has slightly weakened the bridge's overall structural integrity, it does not pose a significant threat.