US Bridges

SH 53 EB over BNSF RR

Good

Bell County, Texas · 0.65 MI E of IH 35 · Structure no. 090140018403046

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
885 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
22,030
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 53 EB over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 53 EB over BNSF RR in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 22,030 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,850 by 2036. The structure is 885 ft (269.7 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 53 EB
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.65 MI E of IH 35
RouteState Highway 53
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.09891, -97.34936
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length885 ft (269.7 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.9 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,030 (2016)
Projected traffic30,850 by 2036
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$4.8 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 53 EB over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 53 EB over BNSF RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 53 EB over BNSF RR carry?

About 22,030 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 53 EB over BNSF RR?

The structure is 885 ft (269.7 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns SH 53 EB over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.