US Bridges

US 1 (sr 5) over Shark Channel

Fair

Monroe County, Florida · Shark Key (mm 11.3) · Structure no. 900081

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
2,071 ft
26 main spans
Daily traffic
17,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 1 (sr 5) over Shark Channel is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 1 (sr 5) over Shark Channel in Monroe County, Florida. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 17,600 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,536 by 2042. The structure is 2,071 ft (631.1 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 1 (sr 5)
CrossesShark Channel
LocationShark Key (mm 11.3)
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountyMonroe County
StateFlorida
Coordinates24.60477, -81.64027
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans26
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,071 ft (631.1 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,600 (2023)
Projected traffic30,536 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 US 1 (sr 5) over Shark Channel built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 1 (sr 5) over Shark Channel 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 1 (sr 5) over Shark Channel carry?

About 17,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 1 (sr 5) over Shark Channel?

The structure is 2,071 ft (631.1 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns US 1 (sr 5) over Shark Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.