US Bridges

SH 53 over North Elm Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.10 MI SW of Falls C/L · Structure no. 090140023201015

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
180 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,530
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 53 over North Elm Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 53 over North Elm Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1981, 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 5 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 1,530 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,770 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 53
CrossesNorth Elm Creek
Location0.10 MI SW of Falls C/L
RouteState Highway 53
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06939, -97.13118
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,530 (2020)
Projected traffic1,770 by 2033
Trucks7%
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$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 53 over North Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is SH 53 over North Elm 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 2023.

How much traffic does SH 53 over North Elm Creek carry?

About 1,530 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 53 over North Elm Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 53 over North Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.