US Bridges

SH 342 (lancaster) over IH 20

Fair

Dallas County, Texas · 2.5 MI E of IH 35E · Structure no. 180570237403144

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
325 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
28,840
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 342 (lancaster) over IH 20 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 342 (lancaster) over IH 20 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 28,840 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,612 by 2040. The structure is 325 ft (99.1 m) long and 101 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 342 (lancaster)
CrossesIH 20
Location2.5 MI E of IH 35E
RouteState Highway 342
CountyDallas County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.64693, -96.78085
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length325 ft (99.1 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width101 ft (30.7 m)
Roadway width83 ft (25.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,840 (2023)
Projected traffic39,612 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$54,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 342 (lancaster) over IH 20 built?

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

What condition is SH 342 (lancaster) over IH 20 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 342 (lancaster) over IH 20 carry?

About 28,840 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SH 342 (lancaster) over IH 20?

The structure is 325 ft (99.1 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns SH 342 (lancaster) over IH 20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.