US Bridges

SR-544 over Lake Hamilton Canal

Fair

Polk County, Florida · 0.8 MI W/O US-27 · Structure no. 160021

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR-544 over Lake Hamilton Canal is a concrete slab carrying SR-544 over Lake Hamilton Canal in Polk County, Florida. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 61 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 28,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,580 by 2044. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesSR-544
CrossesLake Hamilton Canal
Location0.8 MI W/O US-27
RouteState Highway 544
CountyPolk County
StateFlorida
Coordinates28.08078, -81.66233
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85.2 US tons
Inventory rating51.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,000 (2024)
Projected traffic48,580 by 2044
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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-544 over Lake Hamilton Canal built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is SR-544 over Lake Hamilton Canal 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR-544 over Lake Hamilton Canal carry?

About 28,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR-544 over Lake Hamilton Canal?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR-544 over Lake Hamilton Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.