US Bridges

Thunderbird Road over Sweetwater Wash

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.7 MI E of 19th Avenue · Structure no. 09321

Built
1974
51 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
59 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
33,403
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Thunderbird Road over Sweetwater Wash is a concrete continuous slab carrying Thunderbird Road over Sweetwater Wash in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1974 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 51 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 33,403 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,413 by 2041. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 107 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesThunderbird Road
CrossesSweetwater Wash
Location0.7 MI E of 19th Avenue
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.6078, -112.0878
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width107 ft (32.5 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,403 (2021)
Projected traffic33,413 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Sweetwater Wash built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Thunderbird Road over Sweetwater Wash 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 Sweetwater Wash carry?

About 33,403 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Thunderbird Road over Sweetwater Wash?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 107 ft wide.

Who owns Thunderbird Road over Sweetwater Wash?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.