US Bridges

US98B SR30 over Watson Bayou

Fair

Bay County, Florida · 0.5 Mi. East of SR77 · Structure no. 460073

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
400 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
18,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US98B SR30 over Watson Bayou is a prestressed concrete slab carrying US98B SR30 over Watson Bayou in Bay County, Florida. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, older than the Florida average of 41.3 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 18,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,618 by 2044. The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS98B SR30
CrossesWatson Bayou
Location0.5 Mi. East of SR77
RouteU.S. Route 98
CountyBay County
StateFlorida
Coordinates30.15668, -85.6438
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.4 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHL 93
Structure length400 ft (121.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,800 (2022)
Projected traffic32,618 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$115,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US98B SR30 over Watson Bayou built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is US98B SR30 over Watson Bayou 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US98B SR30 over Watson Bayou carry?

About 18,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US98B SR30 over Watson Bayou?

The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns US98B SR30 over Watson Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.