US Bridges

I-8 EB over Gila Bend Canal

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.3 MI E JCT SR 85 · Structure no. 01394

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,244
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-8 EB over Gila Bend Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-8 EB over Gila Bend Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 5,244 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,254 by 2041. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-8 EB
CrossesGila Bend Canal
Location0.3 MI E JCT SR 85
RouteInterstate 8
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates32.9386, -112.7289
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,244 (2021)
Projected traffic5,254 by 2041
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-8 EB over Gila Bend Canal built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-8 EB over Gila Bend Canal 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does I-8 EB over Gila Bend Canal carry?

About 5,244 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I-8 EB over Gila Bend Canal?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns I-8 EB over Gila Bend Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.