US Bridges

SR 51 over Sweetwater Channel

Good

Maricopa County, Arizona · N Side of Sweetwater Av · Structure no. 07029

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
122,692
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 51 over Sweetwater Channel is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 51 over Sweetwater Channel in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 122,692 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 122,702 by 2036. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 51
CrossesSweetwater Channel
LocationN Side of Sweetwater Av
RouteState Highway 51
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.6045, -112.0095
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic122,692 (2016)
Projected traffic122,702 by 2036
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 51 over Sweetwater Channel built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 51 over Sweetwater Channel 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 November 2021.

How much traffic does SR 51 over Sweetwater Channel carry?

About 122,692 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 51 over Sweetwater Channel?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 51 over Sweetwater Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.