US Bridges

MC-85 HWY over Agua Fria River

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.5 MI W/ El Mirage · Structure no. 07819

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
1,203 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
20,530
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

MC-85 HWY over Agua Fria River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying MC-85 HWY over Agua Fria River in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, older 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 20,530 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,540 by 2042. The structure is 1,203 ft (366.7 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesMC-85 HWY
CrossesAgua Fria River
Location0.5 MI W/ El Mirage
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.43512, -112.33216
Functional classUrban Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.6 US tons
Inventory rating34.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,203 ft (366.7 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.9 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,530 (2023)
Projected traffic20,540 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was MC-85 HWY over Agua Fria River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is MC-85 HWY over Agua Fria River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does MC-85 HWY over Agua Fria River carry?

About 20,530 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is MC-85 HWY over Agua Fria River?

The structure is 1,203 ft (366.7 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns MC-85 HWY over Agua Fria River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.