US Bridges

Rice RD over Middle Bernard Creek

Fair

Colorado County, Texas · 1.0 MI NE of Sunderman RD · Structure no. 130450AA0175001

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rice RD over Middle Bernard Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rice RD over Middle Bernard Creek in Colorado County, Texas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 60 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2038. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRice RD
CrossesMiddle Bernard Creek
Location1.0 MI NE of Sunderman RD
RouteCounty Highway 178
CountyColorado County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.65656, -96.34955
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2018)
Projected traffic100 by 2038
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rice RD over Middle Bernard Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rice RD over Middle Bernard 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Rice RD over Middle Bernard Creek carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Rice RD over Middle Bernard Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Rice RD over Middle Bernard Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.