US Bridges

SH 78 over BNSF RR

Good

Collin County, Texas · 6.70 MI S of US 380 · Structure no. 180430028101037

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
300 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,927
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 78 over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 78 over BNSF RR in Collin County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 9,927 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,576 by 2040. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSH 78
CrossesBNSF RR
Location6.70 MI S of US 380
RouteState Highway 78
StateTexas
Coordinates33.07536, -96.42594
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,927 (2022)
Projected traffic15,576 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 78 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 78 over BNSF RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 78 over BNSF RR carry?

About 9,927 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 78 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 78 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.