US Bridges

SH 256 over Dry Salt Creek

Fair

Childress County, Texas · 0.1 MI E Hall Cl · Structure no. 250380038103004

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,770
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 256 over Dry Salt Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 256 over Dry Salt Creek in Childress County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1979, 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 1,770 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,480 by 2039. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.8 mi (85 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 256
CrossesDry Salt Creek
Location0.1 MI E Hall Cl
RouteState Highway 256
CountyChildress County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.72546, -100.41421
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,770 (2019)
Projected traffic2,480 by 2039
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.8 mi (85 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$160,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 256 over Dry Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is SH 256 over Dry Salt 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SH 256 over Dry Salt Creek carry?

About 1,770 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 256 over Dry Salt Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 256 over Dry Salt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.