US Bridges

SH 294 over Bowles Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 2.80 MI W of SH 21 · Structure no. 100370005804009

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
140 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,317
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 294 over Bowles Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 294 over Bowles Creek in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 1,317 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,844 by 2041. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 294
CrossesBowles Creek
Location2.80 MI W of SH 21
RouteState Highway 294
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.64614, -95.12373
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,317 (2021)
Projected traffic1,844 by 2041
Trucks13%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$84,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 294 over Bowles Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 294 over Bowles 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 294 over Bowles Creek carry?

About 1,317 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 294 over Bowles Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH 294 over Bowles Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.