US Bridges

CR-78 over Elephant Ear Canal

Poor

Hendry County, Florida · 0.8 Mile East of CR-78A · Structure no. 074004

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,020
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR-78 over Elephant Ear Canal is a concrete culvert carrying CR-78 over Elephant Ear Canal in Hendry County, Florida. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Florida average of 41.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,020 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,549 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR-78
CrossesElephant Ear Canal
Location0.8 Mile East of CR-78A
RouteCounty Highway 78
CountyHendry County
StateFlorida
Coordinates26.747, -81.49517
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.4 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,020 (2024)
Projected traffic1,549 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR-78 over Elephant Ear Canal built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR-78 over Elephant Ear Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does CR-78 over Elephant Ear Canal carry?

About 1,020 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CR-78 over Elephant Ear Canal?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns CR-78 over Elephant Ear Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.