US Bridges

IRR Mcdowell Road over Southern Canal

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.5 MI E JCT Gilbert RD · Structure no. 09423

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
98 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21,615
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

IRR Mcdowell Road over Southern Canal is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying IRR Mcdowell Road over Southern Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 48 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 21,615 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,625 by 2042. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 104 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesIRR Mcdowell Road
CrossesSouthern Canal
Location0.5 MI E JCT Gilbert RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.4671, -111.7786
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width104 ft (31.6 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,615 (2023)
Projected traffic21,625 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure7
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IRR Mcdowell Road over Southern Canal built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is IRR Mcdowell Road over Southern 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does IRR Mcdowell Road over Southern Canal carry?

About 21,615 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is IRR Mcdowell Road over Southern Canal?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 104 ft wide.

Who owns IRR Mcdowell Road over Southern Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.