US Bridges

56th Street over Arizona Canal

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.01 MI N of Indian Schoo · Structure no. 09308

Built
1946
79 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,080
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

56th Street over Arizona Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying 56th Street over Arizona Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1946 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 79 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 5 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 13,080 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,090 by 2041. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries56th Street
CrossesArizona Canal
Location0.01 MI N of Indian Schoo
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.4891, -111.9608
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.5 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,080 (2021)
Projected traffic13,090 by 2041
Trucks1%
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

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 56th Street over Arizona Canal built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is 56th Street over Arizona 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 56th Street over Arizona Canal carry?

About 13,080 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 56th Street over Arizona Canal?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns 56th Street over Arizona Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.