US Bridges

US 79 over Smith Br

Good

Anderson County, Texas · 4.9 MI E of US 287 · Structure no. 100010020601003

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Good
inspected December 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
57 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,317
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Smith Br is a concrete tee beam carrying US 79 over Smith Br in Anderson County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 99 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 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 4,317 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,310 by 2033. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 79
CrossesSmith Br
Location4.9 MI E of US 287
RouteU.S. Route 79
StateTexas
Coordinates31.81128, -95.56803
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,317 (2020)
Projected traffic8,310 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 79 over Smith Br built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 79 over Smith Br 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does US 79 over Smith Br carry?

About 4,317 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Smith Br?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Smith Br?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.