US Bridges

SR 51 over Sweetwater Ave

Good

Maricopa County, Arizona · 11 MI N of I 10 · Structure no. 02456

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
81 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
139,130
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 51 over Sweetwater Ave is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 51 over Sweetwater Ave in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 139,130 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 139,140 by 2042. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 165 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 51
CrossesSweetwater Ave
Location11 MI N of I 10
RouteState Highway 51
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.60419, -112.00951
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.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 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 length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width165 ft (50.3 m)
Roadway width159 ft (48.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic139,130 (2022)
Projected traffic139,140 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 51 over Sweetwater Ave built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 51 over Sweetwater Ave 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR 51 over Sweetwater Ave carry?

About 139,130 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 51 over Sweetwater Ave?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 165 ft wide.

Who owns SR 51 over Sweetwater Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.