US Bridges

SH 279 over Rocky Creek

Fair

Brown County, Texas · 3.10 MI W of FM 2632 · Structure no. 230250048001003

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,606
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 279 over Rocky Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 279 over Rocky Creek in Brown County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 91 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 5 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 4,606 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,750 by 2038. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 279
CrossesRocky Creek
Location3.10 MI W of FM 2632
RouteState Highway 279
CountyBrown County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.76474, -99.08199
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,606 (2020)
Projected traffic5,750 by 2038
Trucks9%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 279 over Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 279 over Rocky 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 279 over Rocky Creek carry?

About 4,606 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 279 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SH 279 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.