US Bridges

US-17 (SR-35) over Saddle Creek

Good

Polk County, Florida · 1.2 MI North of US-98 · Structure no. 160208

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
403 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
26,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-17 (SR-35) over Saddle Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-17 (SR-35) over Saddle Creek in Polk County, Florida. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 26,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,110 by 2044. The structure is 403 ft (122.7 m) long and 91 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS-17 (SR-35)
CrossesSaddle Creek
Location1.2 MI North of US-98
RouteU.S. Route 17
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.91987, -81.82386
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.7 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length403 ft (122.7 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width91 ft (27.8 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,000 (2024)
Projected traffic45,110 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-35) over Saddle Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-17 (SR-35) over Saddle 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-35) over Saddle Creek carry?

About 26,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US-17 (SR-35) over Saddle Creek?

The structure is 403 ft (122.7 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 91 ft wide.

Who owns US-17 (SR-35) over Saddle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.