US Bridges

SH 7 over Watson Branch

Fair

Angelina County, Texas · 0.85 MI NE of SH 103 · Structure no. 110030089401005

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,466
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Watson Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 7 over Watson Branch in Angelina County, Texas. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 64 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 1,466 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,190 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesWatson Branch
Location0.85 MI NE of SH 103
RouteState Highway 7
CountyAngelina County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.40509, -94.94319
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,466 (2020)
Projected traffic2,190 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SH 7 over Watson Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is SH 7 over Watson Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Watson Branch carry?

About 1,466 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Watson Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Watson Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.