US Bridges

SH 72 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

DeWitt County, Texas · 3.30 MI NE of FM 237 · Structure no. 130620027001003

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,179
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 72 over Cottonwood Creek in DeWitt County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 95 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 3,179 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,480 by 2033. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 95 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 72
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location3.30 MI NE of FM 237
RouteState Highway 72
CountyDeWitt County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.01962, -97.4469
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width95 ft (29 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,179 (2023)
Projected traffic6,480 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 SH 72 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is SH 72 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 72 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 3,179 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is SH 72 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 95 ft wide.

Who owns SH 72 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.