US Bridges

SH 54 over Sulphur Creek

Fair

Culberson County, Texas · 9.90 MI N of IH 10 Bus · Structure no. 240550023305030

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
180 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
371
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 54 over Sulphur Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 54 over Sulphur Creek in Culberson County, Texas. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 371 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 220 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 54
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location9.90 MI N of IH 10 Bus
RouteState Highway 54
CountyCulberson County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.16583, -104.84365
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic371 (2020)
Projected traffic220 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 54 over Sulphur Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 54 over Sulphur 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 54 over Sulphur Creek carry?

About 371 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 54 over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH 54 over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.