US Bridges

SH 53 over Big Elm Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.90 MI E of FM 3117 · Structure no. 090140023201023

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
240 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
8,133
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 53 over Big Elm Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 53 over Big Elm Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 8,133 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,930 by 2035. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 53
CrossesBig Elm Creek
Location0.90 MI E of FM 3117
RouteState Highway 53
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06676, -97.24704
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,133 (2023)
Projected traffic7,930 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$1.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 53 over Big Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 53 over Big 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 February 2023.

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

About 8,133 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 53 over Big Elm Creek?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 53 over Big Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.