US Bridges

SH 6 over Branch of Sears Creek

Fair

Bosque County, Texas · 1.9 MI W of FM 56 · Structure no. 090180025807042

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
60 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
7,980
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 6 over Branch of Sears Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 6 over Branch of Sears Creek in Bosque County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 88 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 7,980 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,768 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 6
CrossesBranch of Sears Creek
Location1.9 MI W of FM 56
RouteState Highway 6
CountyBosque County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.67007, -97.50168
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,980 (2023)
Projected traffic12,768 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$392,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 6 over Branch of Sears Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is SH 6 over Branch of Sears 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 6 over Branch of Sears Creek carry?

About 7,980 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 6 over Branch of Sears Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 6 over Branch of Sears Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.