US Bridges

IRR US 70 over Cottonwood Canyon

Fair

Graham County, Arizona · 29.4 MI E JCT SR 77 · Structure no. 04286

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,904
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR US 70 over Cottonwood Canyon is a concrete continuous culvert carrying IRR US 70 over Cottonwood Canyon in Graham County, Arizona. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 2,904 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,914 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesIRR US 70
CrossesCottonwood Canyon
Location29.4 MI E JCT SR 77
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyGraham County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.24149, -110.25969
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,904 (2021)
Projected traffic2,914 by 2041
Trucks12%
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
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR US 70 over Cottonwood Canyon built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is IRR US 70 over Cottonwood Canyon 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does IRR US 70 over Cottonwood Canyon carry?

About 2,904 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is IRR US 70 over Cottonwood Canyon?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns IRR US 70 over Cottonwood Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.