US Bridges

51st Avenue over Arizona Canal

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.05 MI S of Cactus Road · Structure no. 09440

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
51 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
43,025
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

51st Avenue over Arizona Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying 51st Avenue over Arizona Canal in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 56 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 43,025 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,035 by 2041. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries51st Avenue
CrossesArizona Canal
Location0.05 MI S of Cactus Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.5954, -112.1687
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating79.7 US tons
Inventory rating47.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width79 ft (24.1 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic43,025 (2021)
Projected traffic43,035 by 2041
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 Arizona Canal built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is 51st Avenue 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 51st Avenue over Arizona Canal carry?

About 43,025 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 51st Avenue over Arizona Canal?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns 51st Avenue over Arizona Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.