US Bridges

SH 79 over Little Wichita River

Fair

Archer County, Texas · 6.4 MI S of FM 2224 · Structure no. 030050028303009

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
172 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,255
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 79 over Little Wichita River is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 79 over Little Wichita River in Archer County, Texas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 97 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 3,255 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,557 by 2040. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 79
CrossesLittle Wichita River
Location6.4 MI S of FM 2224
RouteState Highway 79
CountyArcher County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.66318, -98.61316
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 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
CrossesWaterway
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 built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SH 79 over Little Wichita River 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 carry?

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

How long is SH 79 over Little Wichita River?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 over Little Wichita River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.