US Bridges

SR71 over Chipola River

Fair

Calhoun County, Florida · 8.5MI North of Gulf Co. · Structure no. 470005

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
697 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR71 over Chipola River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR71 over Chipola River in Calhoun County, Florida. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,511 by 2044. The structure is 697 ft (212.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR71
CrossesChipola River
Location8.5MI North of Gulf Co.
RouteState Highway 71
CountyCalhoun County
StateFlorida
Coordinates30.28691, -85.14472
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+12 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length697 ft (212.3 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2022)
Projected traffic4,511 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR71 over Chipola River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR71 over Chipola 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR71 over Chipola River carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR71 over Chipola River?

The structure is 697 ft (212.3 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR71 over Chipola River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.