US Bridges

University Drive over Tempe Drain

Fair

Maricopa County, Arizona · 0.13 MI S of Elwood ST · Structure no. 11377

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
65 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
35,221
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Drive over Tempe Drain is a steel culvert carrying University Drive over Tempe Drain in Maricopa County, Arizona. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 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 35,221 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,231 by 2041. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUniversity Drive
CrossesTempe Drain
Location0.13 MI S of Elwood ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMaricopa County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.413, -112.0101
Functional classUrban Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,221 (2021)
Projected traffic35,231 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was University Drive over Tempe Drain built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Drive over Tempe Drain 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 University Drive over Tempe Drain carry?

About 35,221 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is University Drive over Tempe Drain?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns University Drive over Tempe Drain?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.