US Bridges

SR 79 over Bunyan Wash

Good

Pinal County, Arizona · 14.6 MI N JCT SR 77 · Structure no. 04738

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
65 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
79
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 79 over Bunyan Wash is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 79 over Bunyan Wash in Pinal County, Arizona. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older than the Arizona average of 47.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 79 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 89 by 2041. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.2 mi (105 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 79
CrossesBunyan Wash
Location14.6 MI N JCT SR 77
RouteState Highway 79
CountyPinal County
StateArizona
Coordinates32.7078, -111.0981
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.8 m)
Roadway width86 ft (26.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic79 (2021)
Projected traffic89 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed65.2 mi (105 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 Bunyan Wash built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 79 over Bunyan Wash in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2022.

How much traffic does SR 79 over Bunyan Wash carry?

About 79 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 79 over Bunyan Wash?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns SR 79 over Bunyan Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.