US Bridges

SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel

Fair

Archer County, Texas · 6.6 MI S of FM 2224 · Structure no. 030050028303010

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 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 1930 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 95 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 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 47 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
Location6.6 MI S of FM 2224
RouteState Highway 79
CountyArcher County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.66006, -98.61319
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 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 1930, making it 95 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 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 over Little Wichita River Rel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.