US Bridges

Thunderbird Road over Cave Creek

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.19 MI E of 23rd Ave · Structure no. 09208

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete Continuous
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40,125
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Thunderbird Road over Cave Creek is a concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Thunderbird Road over Cave Creek in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2010, 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 40,125 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,135 by 2041. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesThunderbird Road
CrossesCave Creek
Location0.19 MI E of 23rd Ave
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.611, -112.1079
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.5 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,125 (2021)
Projected traffic40,135 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Thunderbird Road over Cave Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Thunderbird Road over Cave Creek 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 2022.

How much traffic does Thunderbird Road over Cave Creek carry?

About 40,125 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Thunderbird Road over Cave Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Thunderbird Road over Cave Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.