US Bridges

CR 3901 over Birches CR

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 3.3 MI S of FM 177 · Structure no. 100370AA3901101

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
170
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 3901 over Birches CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 3901 over Birches CR in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 170 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2030. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 3901
CrossesBirches CR
Location3.3 MI S of FM 177
RouteCounty Highway 3901
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.03322, -95.24122
Functional classRural Local

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic170 (2010)
Projected traffic250 by 2030
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR 3901 over Birches CR built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 3901 over Birches CR 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 2024.

How much traffic does CR 3901 over Birches CR carry?

About 170 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 3901 over Birches CR?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns CR 3901 over Birches CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.