US Bridges

SR-471 over Gator Creek

Fair

Polk County, Florida · 3.7MI North of US-98 · Structure no. 160017

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-471 over Gator Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR-471 over Gator Creek in Polk County, Florida. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 60 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 3,700 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,420 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesSR-471
CrossesGator Creek
Location3.7MI North of US-98
RouteState Highway 471
CountyPolk County
StateFlorida
Coordinates28.30215, -82.05586
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.8 US tons
Inventory rating54.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,700 (2023)
Projected traffic6,420 by 2042
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SR-471 over Gator Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is SR-471 over Gator Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR-471 over Gator Creek carry?

About 3,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is SR-471 over Gator Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns SR-471 over Gator Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.