US Bridges

US 70 over Backfield Canyon

Good

Greenlee County, Arizona · 0.9 MI W JCT SR 75 · Structure no. 04328

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,052
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 70 over Backfield Canyon is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 70 over Backfield Canyon in Greenlee County, Arizona. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 years old, older than the Arizona average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,052 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,062 by 2041. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesUS 70
CrossesBackfield Canyon
Location0.9 MI W JCT SR 75
RouteU.S. Route 70
StateArizona
Coordinates32.73148, -109.11456
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,052 (2021)
Projected traffic1,062 by 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 70 over Backfield Canyon built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 70 over Backfield Canyon in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does US 70 over Backfield Canyon carry?

About 1,052 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 70 over Backfield Canyon?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 70 over Backfield Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.