US Bridges

US-17 NB over Bear Creek

Good

Polk County, Florida · 0.4 MI North of US-98 · Structure no. 160211

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-17 NB over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying US-17 NB over Bear 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 75 ft (23 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesUS-17 NB
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.4 MI North of US-98
RouteU.S. Route 17
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.90761, -81.82916
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating71.8 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (23 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,000 (2024)
Projected traffic45,110 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 NB over Bear Creek built?

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

What condition is US-17 NB over Bear 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 NB over Bear Creek carry?

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

How long is US-17 NB over Bear Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (23 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US-17 NB over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.