US Bridges

SR71 over West Arm Lake

Good

Gulf County, Florida · 7.3 Mi. South of SR73 · Structure no. 510063

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
260 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR71 over West Arm Lake is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR71 over West Arm Lake in Gulf County, Florida. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,848 by 2044. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR71
CrossesWest Arm Lake
Location7.3 Mi. South of SR73
RouteState Highway 71
CountyGulf County
StateFlorida
Coordinates30.13055, -85.2065
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating42.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,100 (2022)
Projected traffic8,848 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 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 West Arm Lake built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR71 over West Arm Lake 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR71 over West Arm Lake carry?

About 5,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR71 over West Arm Lake?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR71 over West Arm Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.