US Bridges

US 79 over Howard Creek

Fair

Anderson County, Texas · 0.1 MI E of Lp 256 · Structure no. 100010020601025

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,727
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Howard Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 79 over Howard Creek in Anderson County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 85 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 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 6,727 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,160 by 2033. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesHoward Creek
Location0.1 MI E of Lp 256
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyAnderson County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.7781, -95.61616
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.8 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,727 (2020)
Projected traffic12,160 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Howard Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is US 79 over Howard 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does US 79 over Howard Creek carry?

About 6,727 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Howard Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Howard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.