This
bridge is a 4-span, 2-lane structure
servicing southbound traffic on US 1
near Key West, FL. The first span from
the south end of the bridge uses galvanized
reinforcing steel in the bridge deck.
The decks are simple spans supported
by prestressed concrete girders. The
bridge is only a few feet from the surface
of the seawater.
This bridge provides a vital transportation
link from mainland Florida to the Florida
Keys. While other key bridges on US
1 have been removed and replaced due
to severe corrosion, this structure
has been in place since 1972. Some of
the other replacement bridges, on which
galvanized reinforcing steel was not
used, are now showing signs of corrosion
. This structure, however, has remained
corrosion-free since 1972. The chloride
levels that have been measured at the
galvanized bar surface are 2.5-5 times
the level that would begin the corrosion
process on uncoated reinforcing steel,
and the galvanizing is continuing to
do an excellent job of protecting the
reinforcing steel.
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