US Bridges

SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel

Fair

Archer County, Texas · 6.0 MI S of FM 2224 · Structure no. 030050028303008

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
149 ft
17 main spans
Daily traffic
3,255
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel is a concrete culvert carrying SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel in Archer County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 94 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 5 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 3,255 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,557 by 2040. The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 79
CrossesLittle Wichita River Rel
Location6.0 MI S of FM 2224
RouteState Highway 79
CountyArcher County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.66887, -98.61222
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans17
Design loadH 15
Structure length149 ft (45.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,255 (2020)
Projected traffic4,557 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 79 over Little Wichita River Rel built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel 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 2023.

How much traffic does SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel carry?

About 3,255 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel?

The structure is 149 ft (45.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.