US Bridges

51st Avenue over Az Canal Div Channel

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 51st Ave S of Cactus Road · Structure no. 07593

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2022
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
172 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,720
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

51st Avenue over Az Canal Div Channel is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - single or spread carrying 51st Avenue over Az Canal Div Channel in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 20,720 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,730 by 2039. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries51st Avenue
CrossesAz Canal Div Channel
Location51st Ave S of Cactus Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.5957, -112.1687
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.7 US tons
Inventory rating45.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.3 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,720 (2019)
Projected traffic20,730 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 51st Avenue over Az Canal Div Channel built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is 51st Avenue over Az Canal Div Channel 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 October 2022.

How much traffic does 51st Avenue over Az Canal Div Channel carry?

About 20,720 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is 51st Avenue over Az Canal Div Channel?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns 51st Avenue over Az Canal Div Channel?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.