US Bridges

SH 174 over Steele Creek

Fair

Bosque County, Texas · 0.5 MI S of FM 927 · Structure no. 090180051903001

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
322 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 174 over Steele Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 174 over Steele Creek in Bosque County, Texas. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,550 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,170 by 2042. The structure is 322 ft (98.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 85.1 mi (137 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 174
CrossesSteele Creek
Location0.5 MI S of FM 927
RouteState Highway 174
CountyBosque County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.00961, -97.61291
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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 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 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length322 ft (98.1 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,550 (2023)
Projected traffic2,170 by 2042
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed85.1 mi (137 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 174 over Steele Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 174 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 174 over Steele Creek carry?

About 1,550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is SH 174 over Steele Creek?

The structure is 322 ft (98.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH 174 over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.