US Bridges

7th Ave West over Wares Creek

Fair

Manatee County, Florida · 0.5MI W of Bus US-41 · Structure no. 135250

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
63 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,240
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

7th Ave West over Wares Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 7th Ave West over Wares Creek in Manatee County, Florida. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 1,240 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,151 by 2044. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries7th Ave West
CrossesWares Creek
Location0.5MI W of Bus US-41
RouteCity Street 0
CountyManatee County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.49331, -82.57927
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating72.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,240 (2024)
Projected traffic2,151 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 7th Ave West over Wares Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is 7th Ave West over Wares Creek 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 7th Ave West over Wares Creek carry?

About 1,240 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is 7th Ave West over Wares Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns 7th Ave West over Wares Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.