US Bridges

Palma Sola Blvd. over Branch/Palma Sola Bay

FairPosted for load

Manatee County, Florida · 0.6 Mile South of SR-64 · Structure no. 134015

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,387
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Palma Sola Blvd. over Branch/Palma Sola Bay is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Palma Sola Blvd. over Branch/Palma Sola Bay in Manatee County, Florida. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,387 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,407 by 2044. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPalma Sola Blvd.
CrossesBranch/Palma Sola Bay
Location0.6 Mile South of SR-64
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyManatee County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.48694, -82.64383
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,387 (2024)
Projected traffic2,407 by 2044
Trucks1%
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 Palma Sola Blvd. over Branch/Palma Sola Bay built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Palma Sola Blvd. over Branch/Palma Sola Bay 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 Palma Sola Blvd. over Branch/Palma Sola Bay carry?

About 1,387 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Palma Sola Blvd. over Branch/Palma Sola Bay?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Palma Sola Blvd. over Branch/Palma Sola Bay?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.