US Bridges

US-17 NB (SR-15) over Rice Creek

Fair

Putnam County, Florida · 2.3 Mi. N. of Palatka · Structure no. 760045

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,960 ft
21 main spans
Daily traffic
6,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-17 NB (SR-15) over Rice Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-17 NB (SR-15) over Rice Creek in Putnam County, Florida. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 6,900 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,972 by 2042. The structure is 1,960 ft (597.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-17 NB (SR-15)
CrossesRice Creek
Location2.3 Mi. N. of Palatka
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyPutnam County
StateFlorida
Coordinates29.69889, -81.66361
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating24.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans21
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,960 ft (597.4 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,900 (2022)
Projected traffic11,972 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-17 NB (SR-15) over Rice Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-17 NB (SR-15) over Rice Creek 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US-17 NB (SR-15) over Rice Creek carry?

About 6,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-17 NB (SR-15) over Rice Creek?

The structure is 1,960 ft (597.4 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US-17 NB (SR-15) over Rice Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.