US Bridges

Penitentiary Ave over Colorado River

FairPosted for load

Yuma County, Arizona · 0.5 MI NE I 8 · Structure no. 08533

Built
1914
111 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
444 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,430
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Penitentiary Ave over Colorado River is a steel truss - thru carrying Penitentiary Ave over Colorado River in Yuma County, Arizona. It was built in 1914 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 111 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,430 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,440 by 2042. The structure is 444 ft (135.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesPenitentiary Ave
CrossesColorado River
Location0.5 MI NE I 8
RouteCity Street 0
CountyYuma County
StateArizona
Coordinates32.7279, -114.6156
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length444 ft (135.3 m)
Longest span336 ft (102.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,430 (2022)
Projected traffic5,440 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Penitentiary Ave over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1914, making it 111 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Penitentiary Ave over Colorado 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Penitentiary Ave over Colorado River carry?

About 5,430 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Penitentiary Ave over Colorado River?

The structure is 444 ft (135.3 m) long with a longest span of 336 ft (102.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Penitentiary Ave over Colorado River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency and maintained by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.