US Bridges

SR 51 over Thunderbird Road

Good

Maricopa County, Arizona · 11.54 MI North of I 10 · Structure no. 02457

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete
Length
117 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
141,843
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 51 over Thunderbird Road is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying SR 51 over Thunderbird Road in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 141,843 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 141,853 by 2042. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 141 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 51
CrossesThunderbird Road
Location11.54 MI North of I 10
RouteState Highway 51
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.61159, -112.00955
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 rating64 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width141 ft (42.9 m)
Roadway width135 ft (41.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic141,843 (2022)
Projected traffic141,853 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure8
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 Thunderbird Road built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 51 over Thunderbird Road 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 Thunderbird Road carry?

About 141,843 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 51 over Thunderbird Road?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 141 ft wide.

Who owns SR 51 over Thunderbird Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.