US Bridges

SR 79 over Wash

Fair

Pinal County, Arizona · 12.5 MI N JCT SR 287 · Structure no. 04785

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
75 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,578
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 79 over Wash is a concrete continuous culvert 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 6,578 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,588 by 2041. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

CarriesSR 79
CrossesWash
Location12.5 MI N JCT SR 287
RouteState Highway 79
StateArizona
Coordinates33.2081, -111.3476
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.1 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,578 (2021)
Projected traffic6,588 by 2041
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—
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 2022.

How much traffic does SR 79 over Wash carry?

About 6,578 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 79 over Wash?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns SR 79 over Wash?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.