US Bridges

SR 79 over Cap Canal

Fair

Pinal County, Arizona · 3.5 MI N JCT SR 287 · Structure no. 01415

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,782
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 79 over Cap Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 79 over Cap Canal in Pinal County, Arizona. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 6,782 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,475 by 2042. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

CarriesSR 79
CrossesCap Canal
Location3.5 MI N JCT SR 287
RouteState Highway 79
StateArizona
Coordinates33.0786, -111.3748
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,782 (2022)
Projected traffic14,475 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 79 over Cap Canal built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 79 over Cap Canal 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 Cap Canal carry?

About 6,782 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 79 over Cap Canal?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SR 79 over Cap Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.