US Bridges

Carefree Drive over Waddell Canal

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.8 MI W Lake Pleasant RD · Structure no. 08977

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
93 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
237
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carefree Drive over Waddell Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Carefree Drive over Waddell Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 237 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 247 by 2042. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesCarefree Drive
CrossesWaddell Canal
Location0.8 MI W Lake Pleasant RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.79803, -112.25706
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic237 (2023)
Projected traffic247 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Carefree Drive over Waddell Canal built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Carefree Drive over Waddell 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 Carefree Drive over Waddell Canal carry?

About 237 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Carefree Drive over Waddell Canal?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns Carefree Drive over Waddell Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.