US Bridges

SH 294 over Brown Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 0.30 MI E of FM 23 · Structure no. 100370005804010

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
810
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 294 over Brown Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 294 over Brown Branch in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 810 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,134 by 2041. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 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 294
CrossesBrown Branch
Location0.30 MI E of FM 23
RouteState Highway 294
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.6365, -95.27345
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 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 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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic810 (2021)
Projected traffic1,134 by 2041
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 294 over Brown Branch built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 294 over Brown 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 294 over Brown Branch carry?

About 810 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 294 over Brown Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SH 294 over Brown Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.