US Bridges

SH 208 over Mess Box Creek

Fair

Coke County, Texas · 2.40 MI NW of SH 158 · Structure no. 070410045404022

Built
1943
82 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
91 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
561
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 208 over Mess Box Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 208 over Mess Box Creek in Coke County, Texas. It was built in 1943 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 82 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 5 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 561 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2033. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 208
CrossesMess Box Creek
Location2.40 MI NW of SH 158
RouteState Highway 208
CountyCoke County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.92383, -100.50429
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic561 (2020)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 208 over Mess Box Creek built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is SH 208 over Mess Box 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 208 over Mess Box Creek carry?

About 561 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 208 over Mess Box Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 208 over Mess Box Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.