US Bridges

SH 342 over Bear Creek

Fair

Dallas County, Texas · 1.20 MI NE of FM 664 · Structure no. 180570004801006

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
143 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,455
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 342 over Bear Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 342 over Bear Creek in Dallas County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1963, 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 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 8,455 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,170 by 2033. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 342
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.20 MI NE of FM 664
RouteState Highway 342
CountyDallas County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.54676, -96.78174
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,455 (2023)
Projected traffic7,170 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 342 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is SH 342 over Bear 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SH 342 over Bear Creek carry?

About 8,455 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 342 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 342 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.