US Bridges

US 385 over Palo Duro Creek

Fair

Deaf Smith County, Texas · 0.7 MI N of FM 1412 · Structure no. 040590022604011

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
790
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 385 over Palo Duro Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 385 over Palo Duro Creek in Deaf Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 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 790 vehicles a day, roughly 61% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,750 by 2033. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 385
CrossesPalo Duro Creek
Location0.7 MI N of FM 1412
RouteU.S. Route 385
CountyDeaf Smith County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.03764, -102.40229
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic790 (2023)
Projected traffic1,750 by 2033
Trucks61%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US 385 over Palo Duro Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 385 over Palo Duro 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 385 over Palo Duro Creek carry?

About 790 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 61% are trucks.

How long is US 385 over Palo Duro Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 385 over Palo Duro Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.