US Bridges

CR-74 over Shell Creek Drainage

Fair

Charlotte County, Florida · 4.5 MI West of SR-31 · Structure no. 010016

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,300
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR-74 over Shell Creek Drainage is a concrete culvert carrying CR-74 over Shell Creek Drainage in Charlotte County, Florida. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 70 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 6 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 5,300 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,196 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 12.4 mi (20 km).

CarriesCR-74
CrossesShell Creek Drainage
Location4.5 MI West of SR-31
RouteCounty Highway 74
StateFlorida
Coordinates26.94628, -81.83217
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,300 (2023)
Projected traffic9,196 by 2042
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed12.4 mi (20 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR-74 over Shell Creek Drainage built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is CR-74 over Shell Creek Drainage 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does CR-74 over Shell Creek Drainage carry?

About 5,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is CR-74 over Shell Creek Drainage?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns CR-74 over Shell Creek Drainage?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.