US Bridges

Venetian Causeway over Biscayne Bay

PoorPosted for load

Miami-Dade County, Florida · 2.1 Miles East of US-1 · Structure no. 874473

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,323
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Venetian Causeway over Biscayne Bay is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Venetian Causeway over Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,323 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,158 by 2044. The structure is 153 ft (46.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesVenetian Causeway
CrossesBiscayne Bay
Location2.1 Miles East of US-1
RouteCity Street 0
StateFlorida
Coordinates25.79117, -80.15375
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating8 US tons
Inventory rating4.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length153 ft (46.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,323 (2024)
Projected traffic14,158 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Venetian Causeway over Biscayne Bay built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Venetian Causeway over Biscayne Bay 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Venetian Causeway over Biscayne Bay carry?

About 8,323 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Venetian Causeway over Biscayne Bay?

The structure is 153 ft (46.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Venetian Causeway over Biscayne Bay?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.