US Bridges

SR71 over Baker Branch

Poor

Calhoun County, Florida · 5.2MI. South of SR20 · Structure no. 470050

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR71 over Baker Branch is a steel culvert carrying SR71 over Baker Branch in Calhoun County, Florida. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 73 years old, older than the Florida average of 41.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 2 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,511 by 2044. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR71
CrossesBaker Branch
Location5.2MI. South of SR20
RouteState Highway 71
CountyCalhoun County
StateFlorida
Coordinates30.38225, -85.086
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 closed6.2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR71 over Baker Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is SR71 over Baker Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does SR71 over Baker Branch carry?

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

How long is SR71 over Baker Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.6 m).

Who owns SR71 over Baker Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.