US Bridges

SH 70 over Washout Creek

Fair

Dickens County, Texas · 6.25 MI N of US 82 · Structure no. 250630010506057

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
388
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Washout Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 70 over Washout Creek in Dickens County, Texas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 388 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 630 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesWashout Creek
Location6.25 MI N of US 82
RouteState Highway 70
CountyDickens County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.71303, -100.84122
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic388 (2020)
Projected traffic630 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$273,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 70 over Washout Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 70 over Washout 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Washout Creek carry?

About 388 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Washout Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Washout Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.