US Bridges

Purdy Lane over Desert Wash

Fair

Cochise County, Arizona · 0.6 MI E JCT Naco RD · Structure no. 08096

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Purdy Lane over Desert Wash is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Purdy Lane over Desert Wash in Cochise County, Arizona. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 years old, older than the Arizona average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 510 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesPurdy Lane
CrossesDesert Wash
Location0.6 MI E JCT Naco RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateArizona
Coordinates31.35086, -109.92666
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2021)
Projected traffic510 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Purdy Lane over Desert Wash built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Purdy Lane over Desert Wash in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does Purdy Lane over Desert Wash carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Purdy Lane over Desert Wash?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Purdy Lane over Desert Wash?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.