US Bridges

Bell Shoals Road over Alafia River

Fair

Hillsborough County, Florida · 2.5 MI S of Bloomingdale · Structure no. 104330

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
465 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
18,000
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Shoals Road over Alafia River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bell Shoals Road over Alafia River in Hillsborough County, Florida. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 54 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 18,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,500 by 2044. The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesBell Shoals Road
CrossesAlafia River
Location2.5 MI S of Bloomingdale
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHillsborough County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.85726, -82.26924
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length465 ft (141.7 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.7 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.7 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,000 (2024)
Projected traffic22,500 by 2044
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Bell Shoals Road over Alafia River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is Bell Shoals Road over Alafia River 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 2024.

How much traffic does Bell Shoals Road over Alafia River carry?

About 18,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Bell Shoals Road over Alafia River?

The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.7 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Shoals Road over Alafia River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.