US Bridges

SH 279 over Lake Brownwood

Fair

Brown County, Texas · 1.20 MI NE of FM 3021 · Structure no. 230250048002002

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
556 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,335
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 279 over Lake Brownwood is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 279 over Lake Brownwood in Brown County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1966, 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 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 2,335 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,142 by 2038. The structure is 556 ft (169.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 279
CrossesLake Brownwood
Location1.20 MI NE of FM 3021
RouteState Highway 279
CountyBrown County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.83424, -99.09983
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+11 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length556 ft (169.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 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 closed6.2 mi (10 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 Lake Brownwood built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is SH 279 over Lake Brownwood 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 Lake Brownwood carry?

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

How long is SH 279 over Lake Brownwood?

The structure is 556 ft (169.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SH 279 over Lake Brownwood?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.