US Bridges

SR-70 over Whidden Creek

Fair

DeSoto County, Florida · 1.6 MI East of SR-31 · Structure no. 040024

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
13,600
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-70 over Whidden Creek is a concrete slab carrying SR-70 over Whidden Creek in DeSoto County, Florida. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 13,600 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,596 by 2044. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR-70
CrossesWhidden Creek
Location1.6 MI East of SR-31
RouteState Highway 70
CountyDeSoto County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.20881, -81.8044
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,600 (2024)
Projected traffic23,596 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Whidden Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR-70 over Whidden 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR-70 over Whidden Creek carry?

About 13,600 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR-70 over Whidden Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR-70 over Whidden Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.