US Bridges

US 1 (sr 5) over Bow Channel

Fair

Monroe County, Florida · N Sugarloaf Key (mm 20.2) · Structure no. 900115

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,491 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
16,900
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 1 (sr 5) over Bow Channel is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 1 (sr 5) over Bow 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 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 16,900 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,322 by 2042. The structure is 1,491 ft (454.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 1 (sr 5)
CrossesBow Channel
LocationN Sugarloaf Key (mm 20.2)
RouteU.S. Route 1
CountyMonroe County
StateFlorida
Coordinates24.6618, -81.51642
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.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,491 ft (454.5 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,900 (2024)
Projected traffic29,322 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$44,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

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

What condition is US 1 (sr 5) over Bow 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 Bow Channel carry?

About 16,900 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

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

The structure is 1,491 ft (454.5 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.