US Bridges

Carefree Highway over Apache Wash

Good

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.5 MI E/ 24th Street · Structure no. 10161

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
82 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,914
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carefree Highway over Apache Wash is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Carefree Highway over Apache Wash in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the Arizona average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 16,914 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,924 by 2042. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCarefree Highway
CrossesApache Wash
Location0.5 MI E/ 24th Street
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.79919, -112.02103
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 36 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating103.7 US tons
Inventory rating62.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,914 (2023)
Projected traffic16,924 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
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 Highway over Apache Wash built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is Carefree Highway over Apache Wash in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Carefree Highway over Apache Wash carry?

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

How long is Carefree Highway over Apache Wash?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns Carefree Highway over Apache Wash?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.