US Bridges

SH 53 over Possum Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.44 MI W of FM 437 · Structure no. 090140023201026

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,417
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 53 over Possum Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 53 over Possum 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 4,417 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,450 by 2035. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 53
CrossesPossum Creek
Location0.44 MI W of FM 437
RouteState Highway 53
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.0469, -97.17205
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,417 (2020)
Projected traffic7,450 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$261,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 53 over Possum Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 53 over Possum 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 Possum Creek carry?

About 4,417 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 53 over Possum Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 53 over Possum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.