US Bridges

SH 53 over Janak Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.50 MI W of FM 2086 · Structure no. 090140023201007

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,873
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 53 over Janak Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 53 over Janak Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 105 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 4,873 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,930 by 2035. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 53
CrossesJanak Creek
Location0.50 MI W of FM 2086
RouteState Highway 53
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.05963, -97.22351
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,873 (2020)
Projected traffic7,930 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$261,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 53 over Janak Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is SH 53 over Janak 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 53 over Janak Creek carry?

About 4,873 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 53 over Janak Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns SH 53 over Janak Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.