US Bridges

SH 317 NB over BNSF RR

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.65 MI N of FM 93 · Structure no. 090140039804029

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,053
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 317 NB over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 317 NB over BNSF RR in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 9,053 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,700 by 2035. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 317 NB
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.65 MI N of FM 93
RouteState Highway 317
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06708, -97.45973
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,053 (2020)
Projected traffic25,700 by 2035
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$915,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 317 NB over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 317 NB over BNSF RR 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 NB over BNSF RR carry?

About 9,053 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 317 NB over BNSF RR?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SH 317 NB over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.