US Bridges

IH 45 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Dallas County, Texas · 5.60 MI S of IH 20 · Structure no. 180570009202339

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
67,403
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Cottonwood Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 over Cottonwood Creek in Dallas County, Texas. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger 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 67,403 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,360 by 2035. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 127 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location5.60 MI S of IH 20
RouteInterstate 45
CountyDallas County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.59673, -96.68209
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width127 ft (38.6 m)
Roadway width123 ft (37.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic67,403 (2023)
Projected traffic57,360 by 2035
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 over Cottonwood 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 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 67,403 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 127 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.