US Bridges

SH 53 over Bird Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.35 MI NW of IH 35 · Structure no. 090140018403003

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,099
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 53 over Bird Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 53 over Bird Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 90 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 9,099 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,739 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 53
CrossesBird Creek
Location0.35 MI NW of IH 35
RouteState Highway 53
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.10516, -97.36411
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width85 ft (26 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,099 (2023)
Projected traffic12,739 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$261,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 53 over Bird Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is SH 53 over Bird 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SH 53 over Bird Creek carry?

About 9,099 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 53 over Bird Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns SH 53 over Bird Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.