US Bridges

Lowson Boulevard over El Rio (E-4) Canal

Good

Palm Beach County, Florida · 0.2 MI W of Congress Ave · Structure no. 935507

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lowson Boulevard over El Rio (E-4) Canal is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Lowson Boulevard over El Rio (E-4) Canal in Palm Beach County, Florida. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,808 by 2045. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesLowson Boulevard
CrossesEl Rio (E-4) Canal
Location0.2 MI W of Congress Ave
RouteCity Street 0
CountyPalm Beach County
StateFlorida
Coordinates26.44614, -80.09663
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2023)
Projected traffic7,808 by 2045
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Lowson Boulevard over El Rio (E-4) Canal built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lowson Boulevard over El Rio (E-4) Canal 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Lowson Boulevard over El Rio (E-4) Canal carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Lowson Boulevard over El Rio (E-4) Canal?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Lowson Boulevard over El Rio (E-4) Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.