US Bridges

US 69 over Bowles Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 1.65 MI S of FM 241 · Structure no. 100370019902022

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,306
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 69 over Bowles Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 69 over Bowles Creek in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 91 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 6,306 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,828 by 2041. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 69
CrossesBowles Creek
Location1.65 MI S of FM 241
RouteU.S. Route 69
StateTexas
Coordinates31.69699, -95.09432
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,306 (2021)
Projected traffic8,828 by 2041
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 69 over Bowles Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is US 69 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 US 69 over Bowles Creek carry?

About 6,306 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 69 over Bowles Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 69 over Bowles Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.