US Bridges

CR 246 over Falling Creek

FairPosted for load

Columbia County, Florida · 0.7 MI East of US 41 · Structure no. 290049

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
300
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 246 over Falling Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying CR 246 over Falling Creek in Columbia County, Florida. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 521 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 246
CrossesFalling Creek
Location0.7 MI East of US 41
RouteCounty Highway 246
CountyColumbia County
StateFlorida
Coordinates30.31569, -82.70297
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2023)
Projected traffic521 by 2042
Trucks3%
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

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 246 over Falling Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 246 over Falling Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does CR 246 over Falling Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 246 over Falling Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns CR 246 over Falling Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.