US Bridges

SR71 over Tom Smith Branch

Fair

Gulf County, Florida · 1.2 MI S. of Wewahitchka · Structure no. 510037

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR71 over Tom Smith Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR71 over Tom Smith Branch in Gulf 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,675 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR71
CrossesTom Smith Branch
Location1.2 MI S. of Wewahitchka
RouteState Highway 71
CountyGulf County
StateFlorida
Coordinates30.07102, -85.19356
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.5 US tons
Inventory rating50.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,000 (2022)
Projected traffic8,675 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 SR71 over Tom Smith Branch built?

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

What condition is SR71 over Tom Smith 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR71 over Tom Smith Branch carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SR71 over Tom Smith Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m).

Who owns SR71 over Tom Smith Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.