US Bridges

Watson RD over Tidal Slough

Good

Monroe County, Florida · Big Pine Key · Structure no. 000041580-00042

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Bureau of Fish and Wildlife

About this bridge

Watson RD over Tidal Slough is a concrete culvert carrying Watson RD over Tidal Slough in Monroe County, Florida. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger than the Florida average of 41.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesWatson RD
CrossesTidal Slough
LocationBig Pine Key
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyMonroe County
StateFlorida
Coordinates24.69083, -81.38083
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck107 ft (32.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2023)
Projected traffic50 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerBureau of Fish and Wildlife
Maintained byBureau of Fish and Wildlife
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 Watson RD over Tidal Slough built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watson RD over Tidal Slough in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does Watson RD over Tidal Slough carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Watson RD over Tidal Slough?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Watson RD over Tidal Slough?

It is owned by the Bureau of Fish and Wildlife.