US Bridges

51st Avenue over Grand Canal

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.03 MI N of Osborn Road · Structure no. 09183

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
41,341
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

51st Avenue over Grand Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying 51st Avenue over Grand Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 41,341 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,351 by 2040. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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Carries51st Avenue
CrossesGrand Canal
Location0.03 MI N of Osborn Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.488, -112.1689
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.1 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,341 (2020)
Projected traffic41,351 by 2040
Trucks1%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 51st Avenue over Grand Canal built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 51st Avenue over Grand 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does 51st Avenue over Grand Canal carry?

About 41,341 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 51st Avenue over Grand Canal?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns 51st Avenue over Grand Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.