US Bridges

University Drive over Cap Canal

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.35 MI E/ Ellsworth RD · Structure no. 08862

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
145 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,232
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Drive over Cap Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying University Drive over Cap Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 17,232 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,242 by 2042. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 82 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUniversity Drive
CrossesCap Canal
Location0.35 MI E/ Ellsworth RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.4223, -111.6266
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width82 ft (25.1 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,232 (2023)
Projected traffic17,242 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 University Drive over Cap Canal built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Drive over Cap Canal 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does University Drive over Cap Canal carry?

About 17,232 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is University Drive over Cap Canal?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns University Drive over Cap Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.