US Bridges

US-41 (SR-45) over Whitaker Bayou

Good

Sarasota County, Florida · 1.0MI N of SR-780 · Structure no. 170920

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
88 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-41 (SR-45) over Whitaker Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-41 (SR-45) over Whitaker Bayou in Sarasota County, Florida. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 102 years old, older 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 30,500 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 52,918 by 2042. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-41 (SR-45)
CrossesWhitaker Bayou
Location1.0MI N of SR-780
RouteU.S. Route 41
CountySarasota County
StateFlorida
Coordinates27.35486, -82.54739
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating25.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.6 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,500 (2023)
Projected traffic52,918 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-41 (SR-45) over Whitaker Bayou built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is US-41 (SR-45) over Whitaker Bayou 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US-41 (SR-45) over Whitaker Bayou carry?

About 30,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US-41 (SR-45) over Whitaker Bayou?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns US-41 (SR-45) over Whitaker Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.