US Bridges

Old HWY 81 over Big Elm Creek

FairPosted for load

Bell County, Texas · 1.45 MI N of W Main ST · Structure no. 090140AA0172001

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
115 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
399
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old HWY 81 over Big Elm Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Old HWY 81 over Big Elm Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 399 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2037. The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld HWY 81
CrossesBig Elm Creek
Location1.45 MI N of W Main ST
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.22829, -97.29621
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length115 ft (35.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic399 (2020)
Projected traffic350 by 2037
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$523,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old HWY 81 over Big Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old HWY 81 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Old HWY 81 over Big Elm Creek carry?

About 399 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Old HWY 81 over Big Elm Creek?

The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Old HWY 81 over Big Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.