US Bridges

Western Avenue over Ephraim Canyon

Good

Santa Cruz County, Arizona · 0.1 MI E I 19 · Structure no. 09595

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Western Avenue over Ephraim Canyon is a steel culvert carrying Western Avenue over Ephraim Canyon in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,510 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWestern Avenue
CrossesEphraim Canyon
Location0.1 MI E I 19
RouteCity Street 0
CountySanta Cruz County
StateArizona
Coordinates31.3418, -110.9506
Functional classUrban 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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2021)
Projected traffic4,510 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Western Avenue over Ephraim Canyon built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Western Avenue over Ephraim Canyon 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Western Avenue over Ephraim Canyon carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Western Avenue over Ephraim Canyon?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Western Avenue over Ephraim Canyon?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.