US Bridges

US 79 over Gum Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 0.20 MI E of FM 747 · Structure no. 100370020603008

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
106 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,130
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Gum Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 79 over Gum Creek in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 96 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 11,130 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,469 by 2041. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesGum Creek
Location0.20 MI E of FM 747
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.9554, -95.3059
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,130 (2021)
Projected traffic14,469 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 79 over Gum Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US 79 over Gum 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 79 over Gum Creek carry?

About 11,130 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Gum Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Gum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.