US Bridges

SR 79 over Wash

Fair

Pinal County, Arizona · 11.6 MI N JCT SR 287 · Structure no. 00373

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
43 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
179,518
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 79 over Wash is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 79 over Wash in Pinal County, Arizona. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 73 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 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 179,518 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 179,528 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 79
CrossesWash
Location11.6 MI N JCT SR 287
RouteState Highway 79
CountyPinal County
StateArizona
Coordinates33.19476, -111.34971
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic179,518 (2023)
Projected traffic179,528 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 79 over Wash built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is SR 79 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 79 over Wash carry?

About 179,518 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 79 over Wash?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SR 79 over Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.