US Bridges

SH 144 over Steele Creek

Fair

Bosque County, Texas · 0.8 MI S of JCT FM 203 · Structure no. 090180038603009

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,764
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 144 over Steele Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 144 over Steele Creek in Bosque County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 2,764 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,299 by 2039. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 144
CrossesSteele Creek
Location0.8 MI S of JCT FM 203
RouteState Highway 144
CountyBosque County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.05566, -97.7497
Functional classRural Major 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,764 (2020)
Projected traffic3,299 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$522,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 144 over Steele Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 144 over Steele 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 144 over Steele Creek carry?

About 2,764 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 144 over Steele Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SH 144 over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.