US Bridges

SR 87 over E Verde River

Fair

Gila County, Arizona · 5.4 MI N JCT SR 260 · Structure no. 00456

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
238 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,597
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 87 over E Verde River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 87 over E Verde River in Gila County, Arizona. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 70 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 5 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 5,597 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,607 by 2042. The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 87
CrossesE Verde River
Location5.4 MI N JCT SR 260
RouteState Highway 87
CountyGila County
StateArizona
Coordinates34.301, -111.3578
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length238 ft (72.5 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,597 (2024)
Projected traffic5,607 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 87 over E Verde River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is SR 87 over E Verde River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 87 over E Verde River carry?

About 5,597 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 87 over E Verde River?

The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 87 over E Verde River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.