US Bridges

Carefree HWY over Wash

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 250 W/ 24th ST · Structure no. 09893

Built
1985
40 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,914
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carefree HWY over Wash is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Carefree HWY over Wash in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1985 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 16,914 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,924 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCarefree HWY
CrossesWash
Location250 W/ 24th ST
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.79918, -112.03127
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 36 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,914 (2023)
Projected traffic16,924 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Carefree HWY over Wash built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Carefree HWY over 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 2024.

How much traffic does Carefree HWY over Wash carry?

About 16,914 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Carefree HWY over Wash?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Carefree HWY over Wash?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.