US Bridges

Dobson Road over Western Canal

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 1/2 MI N Elliot · Structure no. 09134

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,230
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dobson Road over Western Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Dobson Road over Western Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 56 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 17,230 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,240 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesDobson Road
CrossesWestern Canal
Location1/2 MI N Elliot
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.3568, -111.8765
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.8 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck20 ft (6.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,230 (2023)
Projected traffic17,240 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dobson Road over Western Canal built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Dobson Road over Western 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Dobson Road over Western Canal carry?

About 17,230 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Dobson Road over Western Canal?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns Dobson Road over Western Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.