US Bridges

SH 317 over Leon River

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 4.70 MI S of SH 36 · Structure no. 090140039804014

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
720 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,640
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 317 over Leon River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SH 317 over Leon River in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 80 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 13,640 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,000 by 2035. The structure is 720 ft (219.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 317
CrossesLeon River
Location4.70 MI S of SH 36
RouteState Highway 317
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.09632, -97.45341
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+14 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length720 ft (219.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,640 (2015)
Projected traffic26,000 by 2035
Trucks13%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 317 over Leon River built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is SH 317 over Leon River 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 317 over Leon River carry?

About 13,640 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 317 over Leon River?

The structure is 720 ft (219.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 317 over Leon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.