US Bridges

SH 161 over Cottonwood Branch

Fair

Dallas County, Texas · 2.50 MI SW of SH 114 · Structure no. 180570296401009

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
23,264
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 161 over Cottonwood Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 161 over Cottonwood Branch in Dallas County, Texas. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 23,264 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 147,730 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 161
CrossesCottonwood Branch
Location2.50 MI SW of SH 114
RouteState Highway 161
CountyDallas County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.86979, -96.99733
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,264 (2023)
Projected traffic147,730 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure14
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 SH 161 over Cottonwood Branch built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 161 over Cottonwood Branch 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 SH 161 over Cottonwood Branch carry?

About 23,264 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 161 over Cottonwood Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 161 over Cottonwood Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.