US Bridges

IH 20 WB over BNSF Railroad

Fair

Dallas County, Texas · 2.4 MI E of SH 342 · Structure no. 180570237403139

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
380 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
70,542
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 WB over BNSF Railroad is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 WB over BNSF Railroad in Dallas County, Texas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 70,542 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 141,084 by 2040. The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20 WB
CrossesBNSF Railroad
Location2.4 MI E of SH 342
RouteInterstate 20
CountyDallas County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.65686, -96.74183
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length380 ft (115.8 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.2 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,542 (2020)
Projected traffic141,084 by 2040
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$65,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 WB over BNSF Railroad built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 20 WB over BNSF Railroad 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does IH 20 WB over BNSF Railroad carry?

About 70,542 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 WB over BNSF Railroad?

The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 WB over BNSF Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.