US Bridges

E.M. Smith Blvd. over Saddle Creek

Good

Polk County, Florida · 0.25MI W of Old Bartow RD · Structure no. 164550

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,000
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

E.M. Smith Blvd. over Saddle Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying E.M. Smith Blvd. over Saddle Creek in Polk County, Florida. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 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 7,000 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,145 by 2042. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 101 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesE.M. Smith Blvd.
CrossesSaddle Creek
Location0.25MI W of Old Bartow RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPolk County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.92497, -81.82972
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 rating54 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.1 m)
Deck width101 ft (30.9 m)
Roadway width85 ft (26 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,000 (2023)
Projected traffic12,145 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 E.M. Smith Blvd. over Saddle Creek built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is E.M. Smith Blvd. 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does E.M. Smith Blvd. over Saddle Creek carry?

About 7,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is E.M. Smith Blvd. over Saddle Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.1 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns E.M. Smith Blvd. over Saddle Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.