US Bridges

SR-72 over West Desoto Branch

Good

DeSoto County, Florida · 0.5MI E of Sarasota CO LN · Structure no. 040057

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-72 over West Desoto Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR-72 over West Desoto Branch in DeSoto County, Florida. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger than the Florida average of 41.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,338 by 2044. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 23.6 mi (38 km).

CarriesSR-72
CrossesWest Desoto Branch
Location0.5MI E of Sarasota CO LN
RouteState Highway 72
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.203, -82.04756
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length20 ft (6.2 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 traffic2,500 (2024)
Projected traffic4,338 by 2044
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23.6 mi (38 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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-72 over West Desoto Branch built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR-72 over West Desoto Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does SR-72 over West Desoto Branch carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SR-72 over West Desoto Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR-72 over West Desoto Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.