US Bridges

SR-70 over Buzzards Roost Branch

Fair

DeSoto County, Florida · 7.8 MI West of SR-72 · Structure no. 040017

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,416
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-70 over Buzzards Roost Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR-70 over Buzzards Roost Branch in DeSoto County, Florida. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 2003, 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 5,416 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,770 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR-70
CrossesBuzzards Roost Branch
Location7.8 MI West of SR-72
RouteState Highway 70
CountyDeSoto County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.26918, -82.00125
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,416 (2024)
Projected traffic6,770 by 2044
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 SR-70 over Buzzards Roost Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is SR-70 over Buzzards Roost Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR-70 over Buzzards Roost Branch carry?

About 5,416 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is SR-70 over Buzzards Roost Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR-70 over Buzzards Roost Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.