US Bridges

US 17 (sr 15) over ST Johns River

Fair

Putnam County, Florida · Palatka 0.7 MI S of SR 20 · Structure no. 760043

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
4,021 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 17 (sr 15) over ST Johns River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 17 (sr 15) over ST Johns River in Putnam County, Florida. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 48 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 35,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,725 by 2044. The structure is 4,021 ft (1,225.5 m) long and 93 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 64 mi (103 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 17 (sr 15)
CrossesST Johns River
LocationPalatka 0.7 MI S of SR 20
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyPutnam County
StateFlorida
Coordinates29.64599, -81.62286
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+45 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length4,021 ft (1,225.5 m)
Longest span198 ft (60.4 m)
Deck width93 ft (28.3 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,000 (2022)
Projected traffic60,725 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed64 mi (103 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$705,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 17 (sr 15) over ST Johns River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US 17 (sr 15) over ST Johns River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 17 (sr 15) over ST Johns River carry?

About 35,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 17 (sr 15) over ST Johns River?

The structure is 4,021 ft (1,225.5 m) long with a longest span of 198 ft (60.4 m) and a deck 93 ft wide.

Who owns US 17 (sr 15) over ST Johns River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.