US Bridges

SR 85 over Gila River

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 6.8 MI S JCT I-10 · Structure no. 02279

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
3,625 ft
28 main spans
Daily traffic
7,034
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 85 over Gila River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 85 over Gila River in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 7,034 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,044 by 2042. The structure is 3,625 ft (1,104.9 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 85
CrossesGila River
Location6.8 MI S JCT I-10
RouteState Highway 85
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.33089, -112.62352
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans28
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,625 ft (1,104.9 m)
Longest span129 ft (39.3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,034 (2023)
Projected traffic7,044 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 SR 85 over Gila River built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 85 over Gila 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 85 over Gila River carry?

About 7,034 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is SR 85 over Gila River?

The structure is 3,625 ft (1,104.9 m) long with a longest span of 129 ft (39.3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SR 85 over Gila River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.