US Bridges

Nogales HWY over Santa Cruz River

Fair

Pima County, Arizona · 1.8 MI North JCT I 19 · Structure no. 10485

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
333 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
11,577
2024 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nogales HWY over Santa Cruz River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nogales HWY over Santa Cruz River in Pima County, Arizona. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 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 11,577 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,587 by 2042. The structure is 333 ft (101.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesNogales HWY
CrossesSanta Cruz River
Location1.8 MI North JCT I 19
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPima County
StateArizona
Coordinates31.9223, -110.9622
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length333 ft (101.5 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,577 (2024)
Projected traffic11,587 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nogales HWY over Santa Cruz River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nogales HWY over Santa Cruz River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Nogales HWY over Santa Cruz River carry?

About 11,577 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nogales HWY over Santa Cruz River?

The structure is 333 ft (101.5 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Nogales HWY over Santa Cruz River?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.