US Bridges

SR-70 over Indian Prairie Canal

Fair

Highlands County, Florida · 11.0MI East of US-27 · Structure no. 090009

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
104 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-70 over Indian Prairie Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR-70 over Indian Prairie Canal in Highlands 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 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 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,542 by 2042. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

CarriesSR-70
CrossesIndian Prairie Canal
Location11.0MI East of US-27
RouteState Highway 70
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.20972, -81.14934
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating52.2 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (2023)
Projected traffic9,542 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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 Indian Prairie Canal built?

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

What condition is SR-70 over Indian Prairie Canal 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR-70 over Indian Prairie Canal carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is SR-70 over Indian Prairie Canal?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR-70 over Indian Prairie Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.