US Bridges

US-17 (SR-555) over Wahneta Creek

Good

Polk County, Florida · 0.3 MI South of SR-655 · Structure no. 160083

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
38,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-17 (SR-555) over Wahneta Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-17 (SR-555) over Wahneta Creek in Polk County, Florida. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 89 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 38,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,930 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-17 (SR-555)
CrossesWahneta Creek
Location0.3 MI South of SR-655
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyPolk County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.99213, -81.74113
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating66.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,000 (2024)
Projected traffic65,930 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US-17 (SR-555) over Wahneta Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is US-17 (SR-555) over Wahneta Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US-17 (SR-555) over Wahneta Creek carry?

About 38,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US-17 (SR-555) over Wahneta Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns US-17 (SR-555) over Wahneta Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.