US Bridges

US 79 over Ragsdale Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 0.35 MI E of US 69 · Structure no. 100370020604010

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,634
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Ragsdale Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 79 over Ragsdale Creek in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 95 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 14,634 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,488 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 78 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesRagsdale Creek
Location0.35 MI E of US 69
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.96547, -95.26527
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width78 ft (23.8 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,634 (2021)
Projected traffic20,488 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 79 over Ragsdale Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is US 79 over Ragsdale 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 Ragsdale Creek carry?

About 14,634 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Ragsdale Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 78 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Ragsdale Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.