US Bridges

Shallow Ford Road over Bird Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 1.75 MI SE of Midway RD · Structure no. 090140B00361001

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
381
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shallow Ford Road over Bird Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Shallow Ford Road over Bird Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 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 381 vehicles a day, projected to reach 275 by 2026. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesShallow Ford Road
CrossesBird Creek
Location1.75 MI SE of Midway RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06314, -97.40722
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic381 (2020)
Projected traffic275 by 2026
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$313,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Shallow Ford Road over Bird Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Shallow Ford Road over Bird 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Shallow Ford Road over Bird Creek carry?

About 381 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Shallow Ford Road over Bird Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Shallow Ford Road over Bird Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.