US Bridges

Big Elm Creek Road over Big Elm Creek

FairPosted for load

Bell County, Texas · 1.55 MI S of FM 940 · Structure no. 090140AA0268002

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Other
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Big Elm Creek Road over Big Elm Creek is a steel other carrying Big Elm Creek Road over Big Elm Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2035. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBig Elm Creek Road
CrossesBig Elm Creek
Location1.55 MI S of FM 940
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.97421, -97.14476
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2015)
Projected traffic50 by 2035
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$375,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Big Elm Creek Road over Big Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Big Elm Creek Road 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 Big Elm Creek Road over Big Elm Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Big Elm Creek Road over Big Elm Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Big Elm Creek Road over Big Elm Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.