US Bridges

US 1 (sr 5) over Torch Channel

Fair

Monroe County, Florida · Torch Key (mm 28.0) · Structure no. 900113

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
824 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
18,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 1 (sr 5) over Torch Channel is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 1 (sr 5) over Torch Channel in Monroe County, Florida. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 18,000 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,230 by 2044. The structure is 824 ft (251.2 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 1 (sr 5)
CrossesTorch Channel
LocationTorch Key (mm 28.0)
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountyMonroe County
StateFlorida
Coordinates24.66447, -81.39636
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating44.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length824 ft (251.2 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,000 (2024)
Projected traffic31,230 by 2044
Trucks18%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$189,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 1 (sr 5) over Torch Channel built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 1 (sr 5) over Torch 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 2024.

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

About 18,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

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

The structure is 824 ft (251.2 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.