US Bridges

Carefree HWY EB over Cave Creek Wash

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 2 MI W/ Cave Creek RD · Structure no. 10162

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
354 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,699
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carefree HWY EB over Cave Creek Wash is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Carefree HWY EB over Cave Creek 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 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 8,699 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,709 by 2040. The structure is 354 ft (107.9 m) long and 46 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCarefree HWY EB
CrossesCave Creek Wash
Location2 MI W/ Cave Creek RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.79906, -111.99584
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length354 ft (107.9 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,699 (2020)
Projected traffic8,709 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 EB over Cave Creek Wash built?

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

What condition is Carefree HWY EB over Cave Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Carefree HWY EB over Cave Creek Wash carry?

About 8,699 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Carefree HWY EB over Cave Creek Wash?

The structure is 354 ft (107.9 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Carefree HWY EB over Cave Creek Wash?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.