Scour Critical Bridges in Arizona

164 bridges in Arizona at risk from water erosion around foundations.

Scour Critical Bridges

Scour is the erosion of soil and rock around a bridge's foundation caused by moving water. When foundations are exposed or undermined, a bridge can collapse even if its deck and superstructure are in good condition. Scour is the leading cause of bridge failures in the US. These 164 bridges in Arizona have been identified as vulnerable to scour damage.

Clear
Bridge State Scour Status Condition Year Built ADT
Sycamore Creek Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1936 40
Little Colorado River Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Poor 1984 40
Foreman Wash Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1939 35
Turkey Creek Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1952 30
Wash Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1953 30
Box Canyon Wash Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1953 30
Blue River Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Good 1950 30
Blue River Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1950 30
Blue River Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1950 30
Johnson Canyon Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1953 30
Wash Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1952 30
Mother Hubbard Creek Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1950 30
Leslie Creek Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Fair 1928 29
BLACK RIVER Arizona Scour Critical — Countermeasures Installed Poor 1930 5

Scour Critical Rating Codes

Code 2 — UnaddressedBridge is scour critical with no countermeasures installed. The foundation is vulnerable and no protective action has been taken.
Code 3 — Countermeasures InstalledProtective measures (riprap, sheet piling, etc.) have been installed to reduce scour risk, but the bridge remains classified as scour critical.
Code 6 — Countermeasures IneffectiveProtective measures were installed but have been assessed as ineffective. The bridge requires re-evaluation and additional action.

About Scour Critical Bridges

Scour critical bridges have been identified through underwater inspection or analysis as having foundations that are unstable or could become unstable during flood conditions. FHWA requires action plans for all scour critical bridges. Famous scour failures include the 1987 Schoharie Creek Bridge collapse in New York.