Do you remember the flooding and when they opened the Dam gates in 1978? They were building the new Tempe bridge and two bridges at Scottsdale and Hayden roads and all three were washed away? I cannot find any information about that on the internet! They say the new, third bridge, in Tempe was washed away in 1993. Either the internet is full of BS or I'm losing my mind.
I remember it well I lived in Phoenix and went to work for the US Forest Service Tonto in end of 78’-81’ and John is correct on the only bridge that was usable was the Mill Ave bridge from Tempe into Phoenix. That was because the Corp of Engineers built when they built things to last. The other crossing was closed for a brief period because of a minor sag but was deemed safe to use. But that Mill Avenue bridge was the only way for a while. I remember Landis Cyclery and was sad when they ceased sell the greatest bicycles in the country. The old days are treasured memories now. Welcome John.