US Bridges

SR20 over Apalachicola River

Fair

Calhoun County, Florida · 3.0MI East of SR71 · Structure no. 470029

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
8,397 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,266
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR20 over Apalachicola River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying SR20 over Apalachicola River in Calhoun County, Florida. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 87 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 5,266 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,136 by 2044. The structure is 8,397 ft (2,559.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR20
CrossesApalachicola River
Location3.0MI East of SR71
RouteState Highway 20
CountyCalhoun County
StateFlorida
Coordinates30.44208, -85.00543
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+198 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length8,397 ft (2,559.4 m)
Longest span280 ft (85.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,266 (2022)
Projected traffic9,136 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR20 over Apalachicola River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is SR20 over Apalachicola 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR20 over Apalachicola River carry?

About 5,266 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR20 over Apalachicola River?

The structure is 8,397 ft (2,559.4 m) long with a longest span of 280 ft (85.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR20 over Apalachicola River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.