US Bridges

CR 261 over Bee Branch

FairPosted for load

Brown County, Texas · 0.50 MI S of US 84 · Structure no. 230250AA0261001

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
180
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 261 over Bee Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 261 over Bee Branch in Brown County, Texas. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 180 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 261
CrossesBee Branch
Location0.50 MI S of US 84
RouteCounty Highway 261
CountyBrown County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.66789, -98.79509
Functional classRural Local

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.
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic180 (2013)
Projected traffic100 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR 261 over Bee Branch built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 261 over Bee Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does CR 261 over Bee Branch carry?

About 180 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CR 261 over Bee Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CR 261 over Bee Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.