US Bridges

SH 135 over Birches Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 3.6 MI S of FM 177 · Structure no. 100370037806017

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
97 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,964
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 135 over Birches Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 135 over Birches Creek in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,964 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,435 by 2041. The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 135
CrossesBirches Creek
Location3.6 MI S of FM 177
RouteState Highway 135
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.03803, -95.20922
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 spans9
Design loadOther
Structure length97 ft (29.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,964 (2021)
Projected traffic2,435 by 2041
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 135 over Birches Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 135 over Birches 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 135 over Birches Creek carry?

About 1,964 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is SH 135 over Birches Creek?

The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SH 135 over Birches Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.