US Bridges

Ruby Road over Santa Cruz River

Fair

Santa Cruz County, Arizona · 1.7 MI E of I 19 · Structure no. 08483

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
246 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,421
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ruby Road over Santa Cruz River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ruby Road over Santa Cruz River in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 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 4,421 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,431 by 2042. The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRuby Road
CrossesSanta Cruz River
Location1.7 MI E of I 19
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountySanta Cruz County
StateArizona
Coordinates31.4335, -110.9357
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length246 ft (75 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,421 (2024)
Projected traffic4,431 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Ruby Road over Santa Cruz River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ruby Road 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 Ruby Road over Santa Cruz River carry?

About 4,421 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ruby Road over Santa Cruz River?

The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Ruby Road over Santa Cruz River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.