US Bridges

Bell Road over Cave Creek

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.08 MI W of 7th Ave · Structure no. 09585

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
83 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
36,376
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Road over Cave Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Bell Road over Cave Creek in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 49 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 36,376 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,386 by 2041. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 99 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBell Road
CrossesCave Creek
Location0.08 MI W of 7th Ave
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.6402, -112.0845
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width99 ft (30.3 m)
Roadway width70 ft (21.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,376 (2021)
Projected traffic36,386 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 Bell Road over Cave Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Bell 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 Bell Road over Cave Creek carry?

About 36,376 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bell Road over Cave Creek?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 99 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Road over Cave Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.