US Bridges

SH 53 WB over BNSF RR

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.65 MI E of IH 35 · Structure no. 090140018403027

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
285 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
10,170
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 53 WB over BNSF RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 53 WB over BNSF RR in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1939, 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 10,170 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,238 by 2042. The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 53 WB
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.65 MI E of IH 35
RouteState Highway 53
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.09991, -97.34904
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length285 ft (86.9 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,170 (2023)
Projected traffic14,238 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 53 WB over BNSF RR built?

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

What condition is SH 53 WB over BNSF RR 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 WB over BNSF RR carry?

About 10,170 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SH 53 WB over BNSF RR?

The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns SH 53 WB over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.