US Bridges

CR 217 over Branch of Skull Creek

Fair

Colorado County, Texas · 3.17 MI E of US HWY 90 · Structure no. 130450AA0337001

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
430
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 217 over Branch of Skull Creek is a concrete slab carrying CR 217 over Branch of Skull Creek in Colorado County, Texas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 430 vehicles a day, projected to reach 500 by 2038. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 217
CrossesBranch of Skull Creek
Location3.17 MI E of US HWY 90
RouteCounty Highway 217
CountyColorado County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.69681, -96.65406
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 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 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 rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic430 (2018)
Projected traffic500 by 2038
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 217 over Branch of Skull Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 217 over Branch of Skull 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 CR 217 over Branch of Skull Creek carry?

About 430 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is CR 217 over Branch of Skull Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CR 217 over Branch of Skull Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.