US Bridges

SH 279 over Dry Creek

Fair

Brown County, Texas · 3.20 MI N of FM 3021 · Structure no. 230250048002001

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,335
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 279 over Dry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 279 over Dry Creek in Brown County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 94 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 2,335 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,142 by 2038. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 279
CrossesDry Creek
Location3.20 MI N of FM 3021
RouteState Highway 279
CountyBrown County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.86027, -99.11354
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,335 (2020)
Projected traffic3,142 by 2038
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 279 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is SH 279 over Dry 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 Dry Creek carry?

About 2,335 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 279 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns SH 279 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.