US Bridges

SR-70 over Peace River

Fair

DeSoto County, Florida · 1 MI W of US-17/SR-35 · Structure no. 040023

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
280 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
17,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-70 over Peace River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR-70 over Peace River in DeSoto County, Florida. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 64 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 17,700 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,125 by 2044. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR-70
CrossesPeace River
Location1 MI W of US-17/SR-35
RouteState Highway 70
CountyDeSoto County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.22105, -81.87647
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.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.9 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,700 (2023)
Projected traffic22,125 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Peace River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is SR-70 over Peace 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR-70 over Peace River carry?

About 17,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SR-70 over Peace River?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns SR-70 over Peace River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.