US Bridges

SR 51 over Grand Canal

Good

Maricopa County, Arizona · SR 51 @ Grand Canal · Structure no. 02418

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
128 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
180,062
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 51 over Grand Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 51 over Grand Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 180,062 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 180,072 by 2042. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 151 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 51
CrossesGrand Canal
LocationSR 51 @ Grand Canal
RouteState Highway 51
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.4849, -112.0406
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span122 ft (37.2 m)
Deck width151 ft (46 m)
Roadway width146 ft (44.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180,062 (2022)
Projected traffic180,072 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 51 over Grand Canal built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 51 over Grand Canal 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR 51 over Grand Canal carry?

About 180,062 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 51 over Grand Canal?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 122 ft (37.2 m) and a deck 151 ft wide.

Who owns SR 51 over Grand Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.