US Bridges

SH 279 over Pecan Bayou

Fair

Brown County, Texas · 4.25 MI S of FM 2940 · Structure no. 230250048004031

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
231 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,297
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 279 over Pecan Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 279 over Pecan Bayou in Brown County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 1,297 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,682 by 2038. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 279
CrossesPecan Bayou
Location4.25 MI S of FM 2940
RouteState Highway 279
CountyBrown County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.97313, -99.13045
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length231 ft (70.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,297 (2020)
Projected traffic1,682 by 2038
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Pecan Bayou built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 279 over Pecan Bayou 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 Pecan Bayou carry?

About 1,297 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 279 over Pecan Bayou?

The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SH 279 over Pecan Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.