US Bridges

SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Dickens County, Texas · 9.25 MI N of US 82 · Structure no. 250630010506058

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
414
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 70 over Cottonwood 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 414 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 630 by 2033. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 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
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location9.25 MI N of US 82
RouteState Highway 70
CountyDickens County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.7552, -100.84627
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy8: Equal 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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length240 ft (73.2 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 traffic414 (2023)
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 70 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 414 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.