US Bridges

SH 72 over Sulphur Creek

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 0.05 MI S of FM 882 · Structure no. 160130027008020

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
245 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,050
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over Sulphur Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 72 over Sulphur Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 86 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 5,050 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,650 by 2033. The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 72
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location0.05 MI S of FM 882
RouteState Highway 72
CountyBee County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.66617, -98.00302
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length245 ft (74.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,050 (2020)
Projected traffic10,650 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 72 over Sulphur Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is SH 72 over Sulphur 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 72 over Sulphur Creek carry?

About 5,050 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is SH 72 over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 72 over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.